National Associaltion of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists - Symptom Checker
Serratus Anterior
This is the technical name of the muscle being described. This name may be used to find additional information in any medical resource.

Serratus Anterior
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.

Protraction of the scapula (pulls the scapula towards the front of the body).
A description of where a Myofascial Trigger Point may produce pain in the body. This area is generally located away from the trigger point.

Pain is felt in the anterolateral (front/side) midchest area, the
medial aspect of the inferior angle of the scapula, and may project down the medial aspect of the arm.
A description of the symptoms a person may experience with trigger points in the muscle being described.

A person with TrPs in the serratus anterior muscle may complain of a pain during deep breathing or a “stitch in the side” while running.  The runner may press the area to relieve the pain to keep going.  People also have difficulty laying on the affected side. A person may also complain of shortness of breath or cannot take a deep breath due to pain.  They will not be able to finish a sentence without stopping to breathe.

   

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

  1. TrPs in other muscles, such as middle trapezius, rhomboid, external oblique, diaphragm, and paraspinal muscles.
  2. Costochondritis.
  3. intercostals nerve entrapment.
  4. C7-C8 root lesions.
  5. Herpes zoster.
  6. Broken rib or stress fracture.

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

  1. Excessively fast or prolonged running, push-ups, lifting heavy objects, or severe coughing during respiratory disease.
  2. Abrupt forceful turn of a vehicle or machinery that does not have power steering.

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 push-ups, overhead lifting, hanging from a bar, or chin-ups.
  2. Learn diaphragmatic breathing.
 

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.