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 shoulder blade? (or point to the demonstrated area).
Now squeeze your shoulder blades together.
With the patient relaxed, place your fingers on the muscle superficial to the spine of the scapula. Ask the patient to squeeze his/her shoulder blades together. Palpate the muscle contracting.
VH - close up of the posterior upper body without skin.