Case study: myofascial pain of the posterior shoulder relieved by spray and stretch

This article presents the rationale for the use of the spray and stretch technique for commonly found myofascial pain syndromes. General principles of this technique are briefly discussed, with emphasis on shoulder pain patterns. The muscles which cause anterior shoulder pain and middle deltoid pain are discussed. The muscles which cause posterior shoulder pain are examined as part of the case study. The case study describes posterior shoulder pain with radiation down the back of the upper arm and down the ulnar side of the forearm. The specific pain pattern for the subscapularis is presented. Muscles potentially referring pain to the back of the shoulder are described both for examination and treatment. Results and follow up are reported. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1981;3(1):21-26.