Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/121374
functional anatomy Repetitive or prolonged activities that require moving or maintaining the upper extremity up and forward may create hypertonicity in the coracobrachialis and associated muscles. This position is commonly used when doing computer work, driving, texting, typing, video gaming, and writing. Sleeping with arms overhead, or performing repetitive tasks like painting or scrubbing, also creates tension and decreases tissue mobility in this area. This tension or decreased mobility may be observed as an inability to lay the shoulder and arm flat on the table and next to the body when the client is supine. Client Homework— Doorway Shoulder Stretch Palpating Coracobrachialis Positioning: client supine with arm resting at the side. 1. Locate the anterior border of the axilla. 2. alpate posteriorly and laterally along the P medial surface of the humerus. 3. ocate the muscle belly deep and medial to L the biceps brachii, following toward its insertion on the medial shaft of the humerus. 4. s the client performs shoulder adduction, A resist to ensure proper location. 1. Stand facing away from a door jamb or fixed object. 2. lace your right palm, with thumb pointed P up, on the door jamb or object at the same height as your right shoulder. 3. eeping your arm straight and body K upright, step forward to stretch your shoulder. 4. Maintain a gentle stretch on the front of your shoulder as you take several deep breaths. 5. Switch arms and repeat on the other side. Christy Cael is a licensed massage therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her private practice focuses on injury treatment, biomechanical analysis, craniosacral therapy, and massage for clients with neurological issues. She is the author of Functional Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Palpation for Manual Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009). Contact her at functionalbook@hotmail.com. 54 massage & bodywork may/june 2013 Editor's note: The Client Homework element in Functional Anatomy is intended as a take-home resource for clients experiencing issues with the profiled muscle. The stretches identified in Functional Anatomy should not be performed within massage sessions or progressed by massage therapists, in order to comply with state laws and maintain scope of practice.