Standing, sitting, or lying prone
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.
Posterior to the patient.
May I place my fingers on your back? (or point to the demonstrated area). Raise your arm forward as high as possible.
With the patient relaxed, place your fingers on the area between the medial aspect of the spine of the scapula and the vertebral column just distal to the scapula. Ask the patient to raise his/her arm. The lower trapezius can be palpated best near end range shoulder flexion. The lower trapezius is an upward rotator and this motion occurs naturally with shoulder flexion.
VH - close up of the posterior upper body without skin.