EN 
NL Musculus pectoralis minor (the small pectoral muscle)
Demanding great strength from the pectoralis minor muscle can potentially lead to symptoms. We see this in, for example, strength athletes or boxers. Symptoms that occur with complaints of the musculus pectoralis minor are pain in the chest and pain at the level of the front of the shoulder. Furthermore, you may have difficulty lifting the arm and a change in posture may occur.
The physiotherapists at Fysiofitaal Tilburg are able to diagnose a problem of the pectoralis minor. Treatment depends on the severity. If damage is present, relative rest followed by exercise therapy is started. Other problems can be treated with a combination of pain relief, muscle lengthening, postural modification and/or increasing load capacity.
Causes
The pectoralis minor muscle has its origin at the 3rd, 4th and 5th ribs. The muscle runs from there to the raven beak protrusion (processus coracoideus), which is part of the scapula. This muscle can pull the scapula down (depression), pull it forward (protraction), rotate it inwards (endorotation) and can help with breathing. As you can see, this muscle mainly has functions related to the shoulder girdle. Here it mainly has and stabilising function.
Repeatedly demanding great force from this muscle can cause symptoms. We see this in movements where the arm is away from the body and turned outwards. With forceathletes so mainly when this force is demanded during bench press or shoulder press. Such complaints also occur in contact sports such as boxing. In addition, complaints to the pectoralis minor muscle can occur due to a lack of alternation in posture.
Complaints and symptoms
Symptoms that occur with this complaint are pain in the chest, pain at the front of the shoulder and pain between the shoulder blades. There may also be a different position of the shoulder because the pectoralis minor muscle can pull the shoulder forward (protraction). Also, the inside of the shoulder blade can be pulled up (winging). It is common for people with complaints of the pectoralis minor muscle to have difficulty lifting the arm.
Diagnosis and examination
Recognising problems at the pectoralis minor muscle can be difficult. This is because it is often seen as a problem of the pectoralis major muscle. Through the interview and specific tests, the physiotherapist is able to identify problems of the pectoralis minor muscle.
Treatment
In case of complaints, physiotherapy is recommended. If the complaint involves tendon attachment damage, relative rest will be advised for two to four weeks. The period of relative rest is followed by exercise therapy. The average duration of rehabilitation is 12 weeks. For long-term symptoms, the physiotherapist can help through muscle lengthening (stretching), muscle strengthening (exercises) and pain relief using muscle techniques.
Do you suffer from Pectoralis minor complaints or pain during bench press? Make a appointment with one of our therapists.
Related complaints
Shoulder pain
Shoulder problems are common. Sometimes shoulder problems are also a recurrent injury.
Deltoid tendinopathy
A deltoid tendinopathy occurs due to reduction in quality of tendon tissue.
Musculus pectoralis minor (the small pectoral muscle)
Symptoms that occur with complaints of the pectoralis minor muscle are pain in the chest...
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