# Infraspinatus Soft Tissue Release Along with the other rotator cuff muscles, the Infraspinatus is responsible for keeping the head of the humerus in it's socket. Now despite being located *behind* the shoulder on the scapula, the infraspinatus can actually cause pain to be referred to in the *front* of the shoulder, deep in the joint. Honestly! So if you are experiencing pain in the front of the shoulder that never seems to go away…try this. If, when you try it, the pain you usually experience is reproduced then you may have just found your culprit. You may also feel weakness and stiffness in the shoulder if this muscle is unhappy as well as pain referred down the arm and even up towards the upper back and neck. For such a small muscle it can really be a trouble-maker. <iframe width="390" height="230" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a0xmwuVdotQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> 1. Give yourself a little hug by wrapping your arms around you. Where your fingers lie on the shoulder blade is more than likely going to be the correct area (the infraspinatus). 2. Dig your fingers in a little and have a feel around. If there is an issue with this muscle then you will probably feel it. 3. Then using a tennis ball or trigger point ball, place on the spot that you found and back away into a wall so that you can put more pressure on. 4. When resting on an uncomfortable area, take 3-5 deep breaths. 5. Find a couple of different spots of discomfort and repeat. 6. You may also notice referred pain in the front of the shoulder which is not uncommon in this muscle. 7. Complete 1-2 times a day especially before activity and after periods of inactivity. > [!warning] Things to remember... > - PLEASE use common sense. If something doesn't feel right then DON'T DO IT! > - You are in charge of the pressure. If it's too much then take the weight off a little. > - Little and often is best but especially before activity and after periods of inactivity. > - Mobilising restricted tissue can be uncomfortable but it should not be unbearable.