10. Subscapularis

Origin: Medial 2/3 of subscapular fossa

Insertion: Lesser tubercle of the humerus

Action: Internal rotation of the shoulder

Innervation: Upper (C5/6/7) and Lower (C6/7) subscapular nerves

Needling

Position: Supine with the arm abducted to above 90 degrees – If possible, have the patient place their hand on their forehead to help expose this muscle

Palpation: Trace the ribcage down until your fingers are on the anterior surface of the scapula – Lateral to this will be the latissimus dorsi

Technique: Needle perpendicularly in an anterior-to-posterior direction using the scapula as a bony backdrop

Caution: Moderate- lung field is located medially – Do not needle medially until you have made bony contact with the scapula