Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68012
FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY All of these muscles have attachments on the rib cage and can be recruited for thoracic expansion during labored breathing. Tightness in pectoralis minor is commonly found in clients with asthma or other respiratory pathologies and athletes who frequently recruit secondary breathing muscles during heavy exercise. Overuse and tightness of the pectoralis minor contributes to the rounded-shoulder postural deviation, characterized by protraction and anterior tilting of the scapula. This is commonly seen in people who do repetitive activities in front of the body, such as computer work, driving, reduce protraction and anterior tilting of the scapula, centering the shoulder girdle relative to the head and trunk. PALPATING PECTORALIS MINOR Positioning: client supine. 1. Passively abduct humerus to slack tissue. 2. Slide fingers into axilla from lateral to medial. 3. Find the coracoid process of the scapula and slide medially and inferiorly along the anterior ribs and onto the fibers of pectoralis minor. 4. Instruct client to resist scapular depression to assure proper location. Client Homework— Stretching POSITIONING: CLIENT STANDING OR SEATED. 1. Clasp your hands behind your back or grasp a towel with your hands close together. 2. Gently pull your shoulders back as you press your hands down toward the floor. 3. Take several deep breaths as you continue gently pulling your shoulders back and pressing down. 4. Remain relaxed and repeat as necessary to achieve lengthening of the pectoralis minor muscle. pushing, and lifting. Shortness in this muscle is easily observed with the client lying supine. In this position, the shoulders will appear rounded forward, the chest somewhat concave, and the posterior shoulder will not rest on the table. Manual manipulation and stretching of the pectoralis minor will massage therapist, certified athletic trainer, 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: Kinesiology and Palpation for Manual Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009), scheduled for release in October. Contact her at functionalbook@hotmail.com Christy Cael is a nationally certified 100 massage & bodywork march/april 2009