Optimal methods for shoulder tendon palpation: a cadaver study

Physical Therapy
G E Mattingly, P J Mackarey

Abstract

Physical therapists often must either palpate tendons of the shoulder or, as part of treatment, apply forces to those tendons. Many methods have been suggested for minimizing the amount of soft tissue that overlies these tendons, but no data have been presented to justify the use of any approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods described in the literature by use of cadaver models. Twenty-four shoulders from 12 cadavers of individuals aged 55 to 92 years were dissected. Shoulders were placed in the positions described in the literature, and the positions in which the tendons were maximally exposed (ie, had the least overlying tissue) were noted. Positions were found in which tendons were maximally exposed. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION. Positions described in the literature for optimizing the exposure of shoulder tendons are not always optimal, and palpation and treatment may be improved by using positions determined by research such as those suggested in this report.

Citations

Mar 19, 2005·The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·Jeremy S LewisAnn Green
Jan 15, 2014·The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy·Angela CadoganStephen Taylor
Mar 29, 2012·Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy : Official Journal of the ESSKA·Ugur ToprakAhmet Ozgur Atay
Feb 2, 2013·Current Opinion in Rheumatology·Christopher R Carcia, Jason S Scibek
Dec 8, 2020·Journal of Physical Therapy Science·Amy W McDevittSuzanne Snodgrass

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