8. Teres Major

Origin: Post surface of the inferior angle of the scapula

Insertion: Medial lip of the intertubercular sulcus on the anterior aspect of the humerus

Action:

• Medial rotation of the shoulder
• Assists with shoulder extension

Innervation: Inferior subscapular nerve (C5/6/7)

Needling

Position: Prone with the arm resting in 90 degrees abduction

Palpation: Palpate the inferior angle of the scapula and move up the lateral border to palpate this muscle – Gently resist shoulder medial rotation to help isolate this muscle

Technique:

1. 1. On the same side of the body: Either block the ribs with your hand and needle above your finger onto the lateral border of the scapula or grab the teres major in a pincher grip and needle in an anterolateral direction
   2. From the opposite side of the body: Reach across and make a bracket on the lateral scapular border – Needle directly towards the lateral border of the scapula, ensuring that the needle contacts the lateral border and does not dive beneath the scapula

Caution: Moderate-High: the lung field is directly below this muscle in an anteromedial direction