Subscapular pain is felt deep within the shoulder, specifically on the inside of the upper arm, near where the subscapularis tendon attaches to the bone.
Understanding Subscapular Pain
The subscapularis muscle is one of four rotator cuff muscles. It's located on the front of your shoulder blade (scapula), and its tendon attaches to the upper arm bone (humerus). When this muscle or its tendon is injured or inflamed (subscapularis tendonitis), pain is experienced in this area.
Location specifics:
- Pain is felt deep within the shoulder joint.
- The pain is typically localized to the inside of the upper arm, near the shoulder.
- Tenderness is often present when pressure is applied directly to the tendon's insertion point on the inner upper arm.
Pain aggravation:
- Pain worsens when you raise your arm above shoulder level.
- The pain may be more pronounced with certain shoulder movements, especially those involving rotation.
- Throwers, such as baseball pitchers, are particularly susceptible to subscapularis injuries.
This pain is often described as a deep ache, and may radiate slightly into the upper arm or even towards the chest, depending on the severity of the injury. A doctor can perform a physical exam to pinpoint the precise location of your subscapularis pain.
