Surface Palpation - Shoulder Complex - Muscles
Anterior Deltoid (Deltoid Clavicular Part)
Standing or sitting or lying supine
For women, a gown over the non-examined side with the examined area exposed or a halter top is recommended. At least roll up sleeves on a short sleeved shirt. For men, removal of the shirt is requested.
Lateral or anterior to the patient.
 
May I touch your arm? (or point to the demonstrated area). Raise your arm in front of your body. (If needed, now hold in this position while I push on your arm).
With the patientís shoulder relaxed, place your fingers on the muscle on the anterior proximal shoulder area. Ask the patient to flex or horizontally adduct his/her shoulder. With unclear muscle activity in the anterior deltoid, have the patient hold against a gradually increasing attempt to produce a push on his/her arm in the direction of shoulder extension or horizontal abduction to resist shoulder flexor or horizontal adductor effort.
VH - Anterior deltoid.