Prone or leaning forward from standing or sitting
For women, a gown over the non-examined side with the examined area exposed or a halter top is recommended.
For men, removal of the shirt is requested.
Lateral to the patient.
Guide the patient to place his/her opposite hand on a supporting surface or, if the patient is sitting, place his/her contralateral elbow on his/her thigh). This reduces stress on the patient's back and stabilizes the patient.
Please lean forward with your hand (or elbow) supporting you or lie on your stomach with your one arm hanging over the edge of the mat. May I gently place my fingers on the inside of your shoulder blade or deep in your arm pit? (or point to the demonstrated area). I will press firmly but gently, so this will not tickle you. Now please turn your hand in and out.
With the patient positioned, place your fingers between the patientÃs scapula and ribs, and press the fingers toward the patientÃs scapula. Ask the patient to turn his/her hand in and out, which medially and laterally rotates the shoulder joint. Palpate the muscle bulge during the movement of medal rotation. With unclear muscle activity, provide more resistance by holding the patient's hand and asking him/her to hold while you gradually try to turn his/her hand outward in the direction of lateral rotation.
VH - Area of subscapularis