Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/530196
SUBCLAVIAN MUSCLE The release of the subclavian muscle is a favorite technique. In Image 3, the therapist has placed a clavicle on the client, pointing to where the subclavian muscle is in relation to the rest of the skeleton. As you can see in Image 4, the client is in side-lying position, while the therapist's thumb forms a wedge between the clavicle and first rib, and his opposite hand holds the shoulder around the deltoid. The key to this technique is to elevate the shoulder you are working on toward the ear, thus elevating the clavicle. This will allow you much deeper access into the subclavian muscle. Start your pressure right at the sternum between the clavicle and first rib. Move the shoulder up and attempt to hook your thumb under the clavicle 88 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k j u l y / a u g u s t 2 0 1 5 as though you were going to stretch the periosteum of the clavicle. Move half an inch at a time along the underside of the clavicle, and in the first several inches, you will feel what appears to be a tight band— the subclavian muscle. As you apply pressure, which in this case can be 5 to 10 pounds, you will feel that ligament begin to soften. Do not stop there. Continue your search under the clavicle, moving distally, very slowly, until you reach the coracoid process. This is a good stretch for the clavipectoral fascia, and as you get closer to the coracoid process, you will run into the conoid and trapezoid ligaments that attach the clavicle to the coracoid process. With your thumb or your fingers forming a wedge between the coracoid process and the clavicle, maintain a static pressure until you feel those ligaments start to stretch (Image 5). Do not forget to use the opposite hand to elevate and slightly circumduct the shoulder while doing this. It is as though you are using the clavicle as a stick shift and you are attempting to find the right gear that will allow the release. Some coordination is needed between your right hand and your left hand. Make sure you observe the before and after position of the clavicle. With any technique around the trunk, ribs, or clavicles, always ask the client at the end of the technique to take a slow, full breath into the area that was just worked. This will allow for a much greater release, and again will allow the client to develop an internal awareness of any changes that have taken place. It is especially important because of the connection the lungs and pleura have to the first rib. The subclavian artery is between the clavicle and first rib. Whenever the subclavian muscle is tight, it will obstruct the subclavian artery. The vertebral artery branches off the right and left subclavian arteries and weaves its way up into the head through the transverse processes of the cervical vertebra. The vertebral artery then branches off to form three other arteries: the basilar, cerebella, 3 4 5