Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/530196
F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 87 CLAVICLE, CORACOID PROCESS, AND STERNUM The client should be in a supine position. Image 1 shows the therapist palpating either end of the clavicle. Place your thumb, or the pisiform bone surface of both hands, on the opposite ends of the individual clavicle and compress inferiorly and medially. Repeat slowly, in unison with the breath, until you feel the clavicle soften and release. Next, palpate the coracoid process. Use the pisiform surface of your hand or thumb to compress posteriorly until its range of motion has increased. If it does not release, use your opposite hand to distract the distal end of the clavicle or alternate compression of each (coracoid process and clavicle) until a release occurs (Image 2). To work the sternum, place the heel of your hand over the xiphoid process, but not directly on it. Place the heel of your opposite hand over the sternum above the angle of Louis (the junction between the body and the manubrium of the sternum). Slowly compress both hands posteriorly and together. The release is obtained when the bone feels more resilient and has increased mobility. The Work: Clavicle, Coracoid Process, and Sternum Client Position: Supine 1. Palpate each end of the clavicle by pressing inferiorly and medially. 2. Do this in unison with the breath until a release is felt. 3. Palpate the coracoid process posteriorly until the range of motion increases. 4. Place the heel of your hand over the xiphoid process and the heel of your opposite hand over the angle of Louis, and press posteriorly until the range of motion increases. 1 2 Myofascial release offers the possibility to restructure past somatic experience and to reform or create a new structure. When the client's contact with the world is thwarted by orthopedic injury, shock/trauma, stress, and so on, the inner world of the body becomes distorted. A central focus of myofascial release is to rearrange these distorted myofascial patterns. Let's take a look at how this work can be applied to a client's shoulder and arm issues.