A case of dysfunction of the oblique fibers of the infraspinatus muscle causing limb pain during movement of the upper limb in the forward and upward direction

Abstract

Physiotherapy was performed in a patient with frozen shoulder who suffered from pain of the entire upper limb whenever he moved the limb in the forward and upwards direction. In an extended position, supination movements of the forearm caused excessive muscle activity in the upper limb. This resulted in pain due to the dysfunction of the oblique fibers of the infraspinatus muscle. Maintaining the upper limb in the extended (forward and upward) position required that the shoulder joint be kept in a neutral position (for internal and external rotation) because the oblique fibers of the infraspinatus muscle were damaged. Therefore, dynamic evaluation of each of the fibers of the infraspinatus muscle is important for determining appropriate physical therapy targeting the movement of the upper limb in the forward and upward direction.