What muscles could cause outer shoulder pain?

Muscles that may contribute to outer shoulder pain include deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus muscle, teres minor. Trigger points, strains, or weakness in these muscles can refer pain to this area.

Shoulder

Outer Shoulder

Q: What causes pain in the outer shoulder?

Common causes of outer shoulder pain include subacromial impingement syndrome, lateral deltoid strain from overhead or lateral raises, rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial bursitis, referred pain from c5 nerve root irritation. The specific cause depends on the nature of the pain, how it started, and which movements aggravate it.

Pain on the outer shoulder is frequently caused by the lateral deltoid or supraspinatus muscle. It is a hallmark of shoulder impingement syndrome and often worsens when raising the arm to the side between 60 and 120 degrees.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of any pain or medical condition.

Common Causes

Subacromial impingement syndrome

Lateral deltoid strain from overhead or lateral raises

Rotator cuff tendinopathy

Subacromial bursitis

Referred pain from C5 nerve root irritation

Muscles in This Area

Shoulder

deltoid

The deltoid is the rounded shoulder cap muscle with anterior, middle, and posterior fibers covering the shoulder joint. It abducts, flexes, and extends the arm for raises and presses. Builds the V-taper and protects the rotator cuff.

Deltoid strainSubacromial impingementRotator cuff tendinopathy

Shoulder

supraspinatus

The supraspinatus tops the rotator cuff on scapula's fossa, initiating shoulder abduction. Vital for overhead presses and impingement prevention in weight training.

Supraspinatus tendinopathyRotator cuff tearSubacromial impingement

Shoulder

infraspinatus muscle

Infraspinatus caps the back of the shoulder blade, externally rotating the arm for throwing and serving. Key rotator cuff muscle for shoulder stability in presses and pulls.

Infraspinatus tendinopathyRotator cuff tearSuprascapular neuropathy

Shoulder

teres minor

The teres minor is a narrow rotator cuff muscle on scapula's lateral border, externally rotating and stabilizing the shoulder. Key for throwing and pressing without winging.

Teres minor tearRotator cuff tendinopathyQuadrilateral space syndrome

Stretches That May Help

Cross-body delt stretch

Overhead triceps stretch (anterior)

Rear delt doorway stretch

Full can stretch

Cross-body adduction

Overhead triceps stretch

Sleeper stretch

Cross-body shoulder stretch

External rotation doorway stretch

Sleeper stretch variation

Hornblower stretch

External rotation release

Recommended Exercises

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you have progressive weakness with arm abduction, pain that persists beyond two weeks of rest, or sudden inability to raise your arm sideways.