Muscles that may contribute to pain on the side of the shoulder

Pain on the side of the shoulder can have several possible causes. In some cases, muscular tension and trigger points may contribute to discomfort felt in the back of the shoulder.

What makes trigger points particularly interesting is that the area where you feel the pain is not always where the problem originates.

5 Muscles That May Refer Pain to the side of the Shoulder.

Compare the referred-pain patterns below with the area where you feel discomfort. Select a muscle to learn more.

Scalene referred pain pattern

Scalene Muscles

Trigger points in the scalenes may refer pain to the back and side shoulder down to the arm.

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Supraspinatus referred pain pattern

Supraspinatus

Trigger points in the Supraspinatus may refer pain to the back and side of the shoulder.

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Teres Minor referred pain pattern

Infraspinatus

Trigger points in the Infraspinatus may refer pain to the front and side of the shoulder.

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Middle Deltoid referred pain pattern

Middle Deltoid

Trigger points in the Middle Deltoid may refer pain to the side of your shoulder.

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Serratus Anterior referred pain pattern

Serratus Anterior

Trigger points in the Serratus Anterior may refer pain toward the back, shoulder blade, arm, and hand.

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