Supraspinatus
The Silent Stabilizer of the Shoulder
The supraspinatus muscle, a vital rotator cuff component, originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula and inserts onto the greater tubercle of the humerus. It helps in performing arm abduction and stabilizes the shoulder joint. Innervated by the suprascapular nerve (C5–C6), this muscle is prone to overuse injuries despite of its small size, causing pain and weakness especially in athletes and older adults. Strengthen it with exercises like lateral raises or empty can lifts, and prevent injury through proper warm-ups and posture.