National Associaltion of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists - Symptom Checker
Deltoid
This is the technical name of the muscle being described. This name may be used to find additional information in any medical resource. Deltoid
A group of muscles generally denotes muscles of the same function and may share a common attachment point.  
Muscle function, in this definition, is what the muscle could do if it was to contract by itself with the body in anatomical position. This is a general definition of muscle function. For more information on how muscles work together on the body please refer to a physiology or functional anatomy text.

The deltoid has three different effects on the humerus (arm) due to its fiber orientations.  The anterior division flexes the shoulder, the middle divison abducts the shoulder, and the posterior division extends the shoulder.
A description of where a Myofascial Trigger Point may produce pain in the body. This area is generally located away from the trigger point.

The pain from TrPs in the deltoid is mostly local to the muscle,           however may spill out into the arm.
A description of the symptoms a person may experience with trigger points in the muscle being described.

A person may complain of TrPs in the deltoid after a sudden trauma to the muscle during sports or other activities.  Pain is usually felt during motion and less while resting.  TrPs in this muscle will dramatically reduce the strength of this muscle, even when no apparent wasting is evident.

           
   

 A list of possible diseases that fit the information derived from examination of a patient.

  1. Rotator cuff tears.
  2. Bicipital tendonitis.
  3. Subdeltoid bursitis.
  4. Glenohumeral joint arthritis.
  5. Impingement syndrome.
  6. C5 radiculopathy.
  7. Glenohumeral (shoulder) arthritis.

A list of activities or positions that may either CAUSE a trigger point to manifest or PROLONG a pain condition respectively.

  1. TrPs are easily activated in this muscle by blunt trauma of the muscle against the underlying bone.  The impact of a tennis ball or golf ball, or objects of the like, can activate.]
  2. Repeated recoil of a gun while shooting.
  3. Losing balance while descending a flight of steps and reaching out to grasp the railing can overload the deltoid.
  4. Repetitive strain, as when holding a power tool at shoulder height or deep sea fishing in which the fisherman is struggling for a period of time with a “fighting fish”.
  5. Excessive poling while skiing.
  6. Intramuscular injection of a flu shot, B vitamins, or any locally irritating solutions into the deltoid.

A corrective action is usually a modification of daily routine which will reduce stress on the affected muscle(s) in a person with myofascial trigger points.

  1. Avoid trauma to the deltoid muscle.
  2. Avoid intramuscular injections over the deltoid region.
  3. Use a recoil pad if firing a gun on a regular basis.
 

References : 
Simons DG, Travell JG, Simons LS, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, vol 1, 2nd Ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1999.

Travell JG, Simons DG, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, vol 2. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1992.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.  A proper diagnosis should be sought from a licensed health care provider.