5. Infraspinatus

Origin: Infraspinatus fossa of the scapula

Insertion: Middle facet of the glenoid tubercle on the humerus

Action: External rotation of the humerus

Innervation: Suprascapular nerve (C5/6)

Needling

Position: Prone

Palpation: Inferior to the scapular spine and within the borders of the scapula

Technique:

1. 1. Perpendicular into the infraspinatus using the scapula as a bony backdrop
   2. Thread the needle through infraspinatus

Note: Banding is most common just under the scapular spine and towards the muscle tendon junction

Caution: Low – approximately  0.8-5.4% of the population has foramen in the body of the scapula due to incomplete ossification – Safest place to needle is just below the scapular spine

(McCutcheon, L., & Yelland, M. (2011). Iatrogenic pneumothorax: Safety concerns when using acupuncture or dry needling in the thoracic region. Physical Therapy Reviews, 16(2), 126–132. https://doi.org/10.1179/1743288X11Y.0000000012)
(Patel et al. (1985). Scapula foramina. Skeletal Radiology, 14, 270–275.)