Ta k e 5 a n d t r y A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 67
though, which puts me in the less sensitive central belly,
and I can glide superior or inferior from there (Image 5).
That's assuming the client's scapula is not superglued to
the thorax, which it often is. (More about that later.)
Begin your entry into the subscap. Dive under
the pec major with your fingers to get your medial
placement first, and only then gently press your
fingertips toward the scapula. The medial placement
is crucial; pressing posteriorly too soon causes the
fingers to slide laterally, and you'll wind up on the lat.
Verify your location by sliding your fingers laterally
to feel the lateral border of the scapula. If you are lateral
to the lateral border of the scapula, you are on the
latissimus/teres major, not subscap. This should be your
mantra: To accurately palpate the subscap, my fingers
must be medial to the lateral border of the scapula.
An out-of-the-box way of thinking of subscap. Image courtesy of Peggy
Lamb/Massage Publications.
Pincer palpation of latissimus dorsi/teres minor.
Correct hand placement for precise subscap palpation.
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