3. Supraspinatus

Origin: Supraspinatus fossa of scapula

Insertion: Superior facet on greater tuberosity of humerus

Action:

1. Initiates abduction
2. Assists in stabilization of humerus in glenoid – Assists with depression of humerus

Innervation: Suprascapular nerve (C4/5/6)

Needling

Position: Prone

Palpation: Palpate the spine of the scapula and hook fingers up and over it

Technique: Needle directly down between fingers in an inferior direction aiming for the suprascapular fossa

Caution: Moderate – ensure you have located the scapular spine and not the superior border of the scapula

Supraspinatus foramen have been reported in literature

(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.)