Posterior Postural Assessment Step 1: Ear Level

What is the first thing to look at in the postural assessment described in the text?

Why is it advised to avoid having clients hold their hair up during the assessment?

What can uneven ear height indicate in the client's postural assessment?

Which muscle could be tight causing lateral flexion if the client's head is tilted to the right?

Why might some clients find it difficult to get glasses or sunglasses to fit properly?

Are the earlobes ______?

If you cannot see the client’s neck, simply leave this section of your assessment ______

Uneven ear height could suggest that your client has her head tilted to one side, with a laterally flexed ______

Lateral flexion of the neck can result from shortened muscles on the side to which the neck is ______

Sometimes such clients are aware of this and report finding it difficult to get glasses or sunglasses to ______ properly

Avoid having them do this because it alters the position of the head, neck and shoulders, which you need to observe in a neutral ______

Uneven ear height always indicates a laterally flexed cervical spine.

Clients with long hair should always tie their hair up during the postural assessment to ensure accurate observation of the ears.

Having clients hold their hair up during the assessment can help observe the natural position of the head, neck, and shoulders.

If a client offers to hold their hair up, it is recommended to let them do so to avoid any obstruction on their neck.

Uneven ear height can sometimes make it hard for clients to wear glasses or sunglasses correctly.

If the upper fibers of the trapezius are tight on the right side, it means the client's head is tilted to the left.

What is the purpose of Step 2 in the postural assessment described in the text?

What might tightness in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle indicate during a postural assessment?

In a postural assessment, what could marked lateral flexion suggest in a client?

Why do clients with shoulder pain often flex their necks to the side of the pain according to the text?

What muscle group might be affected if a client's head is tilted to one side during a postural assessment?

What is a common outcome of whiplash injury mentioned in the text?

In a postural assessment, if the client's head is tilted to one side, it indicates tightness in the muscles that laterally flex the head and neck on the ______ side.

Clients with shoulder pain often flex their necks to the side of the pain to minimize movement and reduce ______.

Torticollis, also known as 'wry neck', is a spasming of the neck muscles resulting in lateral flexion, rotation of the neck, or ______.

Lateral flexion of the neck can result from shortened muscles on the side to which the neck is ______.

If your client is suffering from torticollis, there will be marked ______ flexion.

If the upper fibers of the trapezius are tight on the left side, it means the client's head is tilted to the ______.

Torticollis is commonly a result of muscle spasms in the back muscles of the neck.

Clients with shoulder pain often laterally flex their necks to the side that hurts.

If a client has marked lateral flexion in their neck, they might be experiencing whiplash.

The upper fibers of the trapezius muscle on the side opposite to where the head tilts will be tight if there is lateral flexion.

Uneven ear height always indicates lateral flexion in a client's cervical spine.

Shoulder pain can cause clients to laterally flex their necks away from the side of pain.

What muscles contribute to rotation of the head as mentioned in the text?

How can you assess for rotation of the head as described in the text?

What might a client with a tight right sternocleidomastoid muscle and tight left scalenes experience as per the text?

Why is it significant to identify rotation of the head during an assessment according to the text?

What issue might a client with a rotated head face according to the text?

Which muscles could be affected if a client shows more of one side of their face than the other?

The man is rotated to the ______ (you can see more of the right side of his jaw)

The woman is rotated to the ______ (you can see more of the left side of her jaw)

The woman could have a tight right sternocleidomastoid muscle, tight left scalenes, plus a tight left levator scapulae muscle relative to these same muscles on the ______ side of the neck

Many muscles contribute to rotation of the head, including ______ and scalenes

The woman could have a tight right sternocleidomastoid muscle, tight left scalenes, plus a tight left levator scapulae muscle relative to these same muscles on the ______ side of the neck

Uneven ear height could suggest that your client has her head tilted to one side, with a laterally flexed ______

Uneven ear height always indicates rotation of the head in a client's cervical spine.

Torticollis is caused by muscle spasms in the front muscles of the neck.

Clients with shoulder pain often laterally flex their necks towards the side of pain.

If a client has marked lateral flexion in their neck, they might be experiencing whiplash.

The man mentioned in the text is rotated to the left based on the description provided.

If a client offers to hold their hair up during postural assessment, it should be allowed to avoid obstruction on their neck.

What is the main caution advised in placing marks for spinous processes during palpation, as per the text?

Why is it crucial for massage therapists to be aware of potential misaligned vertebrae, according to the text?

Why should massage therapists exercise caution in revealing potential cervical spine misalignments to clients?

How can observing the marks placed on a client help massage therapists during postural assessments?

Why is it important for massage therapists to recognize deviations in postural assessments?

What could be the implication of a noticeably crooked cervical spine observed during a postural assessment?

What is a recommended way to assess the alignment of the cervical spine with a client standing?

Why is palpation of the cervical spine considered tricky according to the text?

Which action can help stabilize the head and neck during palpation of the cervical spine?

What should be done after marking the spinous processes of the cervical spine during assessment?

Why is it useful to include some elements of palpation in a postural assessment according to the text?

What is a key reason for having clients stand while assessing cervical spine alignment?

In a postural assessment, when the client's head is tilted to one side, it indicates tightness in the muscles that laterally flex the head and neck on the ______ side.

Avoid having clients hold their hair up during the assessment to observe in a neutral ______.

Uneven ear height always indicates a laterally flexed ______ spine.

Clients with shoulder pain often laterally flex their necks towards the ______ of pain.

The woman is rotated to the ______ (you can see more of the left side of her jaw).

The man mentioned in the text is rotated to the ______ based on the description provided.

Sometimes with palpation, a vertebra feels slightly too far to the left or too far to the right of the midline, and it is tempting to mark where you think it ought to be, in the midline of the neck. However, what you have discovered could well be a misaligned vertebra and should be recorded. What Your Findings Mean Few of us have perfectly straight spines. Standing back to observe the marks you have placed on your ______, you may see that all but one of the vertebrae appear to be in alignment. Knowing that a vertebra may be out of alignment is useful for massage therapists in particular, because this factor could be contributing to the ______’s problem and is a good example of when referral to an experienced physical therapist, osteopath or chiropractor may be appropriate. TIP If the cervical spine does not appear to be straight, be careful how you reveal this information (if at all) to the ______. Many ______s could become worried if told they have mal-aligned cervical vertebrae. Remember, many of us go about our daily lives with less than straight spines and have no pain and no problems in this structure whatsoever. The purpose of putting marks on the neck area is simply to help you identify deviations when learning the technique of postural assessment. Such deviations may provide additional information that could inform your treatment.

TIP If you are using body pens, place your marks where you feel the spinous processes to be when you palpate, not where you think they ought to be. The purpose of putting marks on the ______ area is simply to help you identify deviations when learning the technique of postural assessment. Such deviations may provide additional information that could inform your treatment.

Avoid having them do this because it alters the position of the head, neck and shoulders, which you need to observe in a neutral ______

What muscles contribute to rotation of the head as mentioned in the text?

What is the first thing to look at in the postural assessment described in the text?

What is the purpose of Step 2 in the postural assessment described in the text?

Is Step 4 of the postural assessment focused on the position of the head and neck?

During postural assessment, palpation of the cervical spine involves touching through thick tissue and inactive muscles.

It is recommended to place one hand on the client's forehead during palpation of the cervical spine to stabilize the head and neck.

Lateral flexion of the neck can result from shortened muscles on the opposite side to which the neck bends.

The spinous processes of some cervical vertebrae are bifurcated and easy to palpate individually in a neutral neck position.

Observing marks placed on the client after palpating the cervical spine can provide additional information for treatment.

It is recommended to mark the spinous processes during palpation where you feel them to be, not where you think they ought to be.

Perfectly straight spines are common among people.

Uneven ear height in a postural assessment always indicates lateral flexion in the client's cervical spine.

Clients with shoulder pain may laterally flex their necks towards the side of pain, according to the text.

Torticollis is caused by muscle spasms in the front muscles of the neck, as mentioned in the text.

After marking the spinous processes of the cervical spine during assessment, the next step is to observe if all vertebrae appear to be in alignment.

Why might one shoulder appear higher than the other in a postural assessment?

How can you differentiate between a truly higher shoulder and a lower one during a postural assessment?

In a postural assessment, what could a dropped shoulder indicate?

Why might a right-handed person's right shoulder appear slightly lower and more protracted than the left?

What might a person with neck pain tend to do with their shoulders as a protective mechanism?

How can muscle asymmetry between shoulders manifest in a postural assessment?

The levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius may contribute to one shoulder appearing higher than the other due to shortening. If a scapula is elevated, you would expect the inferior angle of that scapula to be superior to the inferior angle of the scapula on the opposite side. How do you know whether one shoulder is truly higher or the other is lower? Try this simple exercise: ______ your shoulders, elevating your scapulae; then relax. Now depress your shoulders; then find that ______ging the shoulders is easier than depressing them. It seems reasonable to assume that if your client’s right shoulder appears higher, muscles on the right are shorter and tighter than the corresponding muscles on the left. An exception to this might be if you were assessing someone with a neurological condition (e.g., having suffered a stroke) and she had a dropped shoulder as a result of low tone on one side of her body. Therapists have observed that, for many people, the dominant shoulder is naturally depressed and slightly protracted. If you are right-handed, your right shoulder may be slightly lower and more protracted than your left. Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their discomfort. This woman is standing ‘relaxed’.

If your client's right shoulder appears slightly lower and more protracted than the ______, it might indicate that muscles on the right are shorter and tighter than the corresponding muscles on the ______. An exception to this might be if you were assessing someone with a neurological condition (e.g., having suffered a stroke) and she had a dropped shoulder as a result of low tone on one side of her body. Therapists have observed that, for many people, the dominant shoulder is naturally depressed and slightly protracted. Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their discomfort. This woman is standing ‘relaxed’.

If a client's ______ shoulder appears higher, it could be due to shorter and tighter muscles on the ______ compared to the left. An exception to this might be if you were assessing someone with a neurological condition (e.g., having suffered a stroke) and she had a dropped shoulder as a result of low tone on one side of her body. Therapists have observed that, for many people, the dominant shoulder is naturally depressed and slightly protracted. If you are ______-handed, your ______ shoulder may be slightly lower and more protracted than your left. Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their discomfort. This woman is standing ‘relaxed’.

If a client's right shoulder appears higher, it could be due to shorter and tighter muscles on the right compared to the ______. An exception to this might be if you were assessing someone with a neurological condition (e.g., having suffered a stroke) and she had a dropped shoulder as a result of low tone on one side of her body. Therapists have observed that, for many people, the dominant shoulder is naturally depressed and slightly protracted. If you are right-handed, your right shoulder may be slightly lower and more protracted than your ______. Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their discomfort. This woman is standing ‘relaxed’.

During a postural assessment, if one shoulder appears higher than the other, it may be due to shortening in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius. Shrugging your shoulders and then relaxing can help differentiate whether one shoulder is truly higher or the other is lower. It is reasonable to assume that if a client’s right shoulder appears higher, muscles on the right are shorter and tighter than the corresponding muscles on the left. Therapists have observed that, for many people, the dominant shoulder is naturally depressed and slightly protracted. Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their discomfort. This woman is standing ‘relaxed’.

During a postural assessment, if one shoulder appears higher than the other, it may be due to shortening in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius. Shrugging your shoulders and then relaxing can help differentiate whether one shoulder is truly higher or the other is lower. It is reasonable to assume that if a client’s ______ shoulder appears higher, muscles on the ______ are shorter and tighter than the corresponding muscles on the left. Therapists have observed that, for many people, the dominant shoulder is naturally depressed and slightly protracted. Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their discomfort. This woman is standing ‘relaxed’.

Muscles in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius can contribute to one shoulder appearing higher than the other.

If a scapula is elevated, you would expect the inferior angle of that scapula to be inferior to the inferior angle of the scapula on the opposite side.

It is reasonable to assume that if a client's right shoulder appears higher, it means the corresponding muscles on the right are longer and looser than those on the left.

Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively to increase discomfort.

If a person is right-handed, their right shoulder may be slightly lower and more protracted than their left shoulder.

Shrugging the shoulders and then relaxing can help determine which shoulder is truly higher or lower in a postural assessment.

What can an increase in muscle bulk on the dominant side indicate in sportspeople?

Why might a client with adhesive capsulitis or upper limb immobilization show atrophy of the shoulder muscles on the affected side?

What is a potential indicator of a client not using one shoulder, especially following an injury?

What is a common outcome of disuse of the shoulder, particularly noticeable in older clients?

Why do right-handed archers often have hypertrophied rhomboids on the right side?

What can observing noticeably atrophied supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles indicate in a postural assessment?

Observation of people with adhesive capsulitis or who have had their upper limb immobilised may reveal atrophy of the shoulder muscles on the affected ______.

Disuse of the shoulder results in atrophy in all of the associated ______.

Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their ______.

Clients with shoulder pain may laterally flex their necks towards the side of ______, according to the text.

If a client's right shoulder appears higher, it could be due to shorter and tighter muscles on the right compared to the ______.

Many clients could become worried if told they have mal-aligned cervical vertebrae. Remember, many of us go about our daily lives with less than straight spines and have no pain and no problems in this structure whatsoever. The purpose of putting marks on the neck area is simply to help you identify deviations when learning the technique of postural ______.

A right-handed archer often has hypertrophied rhomboids on the left side.

Disuse of the shoulder results in hypertrophy in all associated muscles.

Observation of people with adhesive capsulitis may reveal atrophy of the shoulder muscles on the affected side.

Lateral flexion of the neck can result from shortened muscles on the same side to which the neck bends.

Uneven ear height always indicates rotation of the head in a client's cervical spine.

If a person's right shoulder appears higher, it could be due to shorter and tighter muscles on the right compared to the left.

What is a common reason many clients have slightly protracted scapulae?

Which muscle group is often lengthened and weak bilaterally in individuals with protracted scapulae?

What posture is associated with retraction of the scapulae?

How can one locate the medial border of the scapula when observing scapular adduction/abduction?

What muscles are often shortened on both sides of the body in individuals with retracted scapulae?

Why might rhomboids be lengthened and weak in individuals with protracted scapulae?

Clients with poor posture often have slightly ______ scapulae

Retraction of the scapulae is less common and occurs with a military-style posture: chests pushed up and out, shoulders drawn back and ______

Protraction of the scapulae often accompanies poor posture where the rhomboids and lower fibers of the trapezius are lengthened and weak ______

Many people adopt a kyphotic posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______

Observing the relationship between the medial borders of the scapulae and the spine helps determine if the scapulae are adducted (retracted) or ______

Gently palpating for the medial border of the scapula is recommended if you cannot see it, and asking the client to place their hand behind their back can help locate this ______

Clients with poor posture often have slightly adducted scapulae.

Protraction of the scapulae often accompanies strong rhomboids and trapezius muscles.

Retraction of the scapulae is common in individuals with a military-style posture.

Palpating for the medial border of the scapula is recommended if it cannot be observed visually.

Clients with torticollis may experience lateral flexion and rotation of the neck.

Observing uneven ear height is a reliable indicator of lateral flexion in a client's cervical spine.

Clients with poor posture often have slightly ______ scapulae

Protraction of the scapulae is associated with lengthened and weak ______

Retraction of the scapulae occurs when people adopt a military-style ______

Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively to reduce ______

Many of us have less than straight spines and have no pain or problems in this structure ______

The purpose of putting marks on the neck area is to help identify deviations in the technique of postural assessment, which may inform your ______

What is the impact on the rhomboid major and minor muscles during downward rotation of the scapula?

Why is it cautioned not to jump to conclusions about the source of shoulder pain solely based on anatomical positions?

In a postural assessment, what is the role of the serratus anterior muscle according to the text?

How does Cloward's research in 1959 contribute to understanding sources of scapular and upper limb pain?

Why does the text mention that clients with neck pain may elevate their shoulders protectively?

What is the significance of observing uneven ear height in a client's postural assessment according to the text?

During postural assessment, if one shoulder appears higher than the other, it may be due to shortening in the __________ and upper fibers of the trapezius.

Observation of people with adhesive capsulitis may reveal atrophy of the shoulder muscles on the affected __________.

Torticollis, also known as 'wry neck', is a spasming of the neck muscles resulting in lateral flexion, rotation of the neck, or __________.

Many people adopt a kyphotic posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the __________.

Protraction of the scapulae often accompanies strong rhomboids and trapezius muscles.

During a postural assessment, what is the role of the _________ muscle according to the text?

During downward rotation of the scapula, the medial border and inferior angle are adducted towards the spine, shortening the rhomboid ______ and lengthening the rhomboid minor and levator scapulae.

The serratus anterior attaches to the medial border of the scapulae on the anterior surface of the bone, making it an important muscle in scapular ______.

Clients with protracted scapulae and internally rotated humerus may not necessarily experience scapular pain due to the anatomical positions of these bony structures; there could be other possible sources of ______.

Cloward reported in 1959 on the likelihood of scapular and upper limb pain originating from cervical ______.

Retraction of the scapulae occurs when people adopt a military-style ______.

Many people adopt a kyphotic posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______.

During downward rotation of the scapula, the medial border and inferior angle are adducted towards the spine.

The rhomboid major is lengthened during upward rotation of the scapula.

The serratus anterior muscle is not included in the table summarizing changes in muscle length depending on scapular position.

The rhomboid minor is lengthened during downward rotation of the scapula.

Scapular pain resulting from anatomical positions of bony structures always originates from the positions themselves.

The levator scapulae muscle is shortened during downward rotation of the scapula.

During downward rotation of the scapula, the medial border and inferior angle are ______ towards the spine

The serratus anterior muscle attaches to the medial border of the scapulae on the ______ surface of the bone

Cloward reported on the likelihood of scapular and upper limb pain originating from ______ discs

When assessing the shoulder region, it is important not to jump to conclusions regarding the source of shoulder pain just based on the anatomical positions of bony structures like protracted scapulae and internally rotated ______

In individuals with protracted scapulae, there may be potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______

Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively to reduce ______

The inferior angle is elevated when the whole scapula is elevated. Muscles of scapular elevation may be shorter on the side of the elevation. So if you observe that the inferior angle on the client’s left scapula is higher compared to the inferior angle of the client’s right scapula, this could mean that the upper fibers of the trapezius on the left, plus the left levator scapulae are ______.

Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their ______.

Shrugging your shoulders and then relaxing can help differentiate whether one shoulder is truly higher or the other is ______.

During a postural assessment, if one shoulder appears higher than the other, it may be due to shortening in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius. Shrugging your shoulders and then relaxing can help determine which shoulder is truly higher or ______.

Many people adopt a kyphotic posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______.

Clients with shoulder pain may laterally flex their necks towards the side of ______, according to the text.

What could an elevated inferior angle of the scapula indicate?

Why might the right clavicle raise when the right scapula is elevated?

What does an elevated inferior angle of the left scapula compared to the right suggest?

What may cause one shoulder to appear higher than the other during a postural assessment?

How can you differentiate if one shoulder is truly higher than the other during a postural assessment?

What might be observed in a client with an inferior angle that cannot be palpated easily?

During the assessment, if the inferior angle of the left scapula is higher than the inferior angle of the right scapula, it indicates an elevated left scapula.

If the upper fibers of the trapezius on the right side are shortened, the right scapula will be depressed.

Elevated scapulae can result in shorter muscles responsible for scapular depression.

If one shoulder is elevated, you would expect the clavicle on that same side to be raised as well.

Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively to reduce discomfort.

An elevated right scapula can lead to a raised right clavicle due to their anatomical attachment at the acromioclavicular joint.

The inferior angle is elevated when the whole ______ is elevated. Muscles of ______r elevation may be shorter on the side of the elevation. So if you observe that the inferior angle on the client’s left ______ is higher compared to the inferior angle of the client’s right ______, this could mean that the upper fibers of the trapezius on the left, plus the left levator ______e are shortened. Before moving on to the next step, consider for a moment what you might observe on the anterior of the body in a client with an elevated ______. When the right shoulder is elevated, you might expect to see the right clavicle raised too, because the two bones are attached at the acromioclavicular joint, as you know.

Many people adopt a kyphotic posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______

During downward rotation of the scapula, the medial border and inferior angle are adducted towards the spine, shortening the rhomboid ______ and lengthening the rhomboid minor and levator scapulae.

During a postural assessment, what is the role of the ______ muscle according to the text?

The levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius may contribute to one shoulder appearing higher than the other due to shortening. If a scapula is elevated, you would expect the inferior angle of that scapula to be superior to the inferior angle of the scapula on the opposite side. How do you know whether one shoulder is truly higher or the other is lower? Try this simple exercise: ______ your shoulders, elevating your scapulae; then relax. Now depress your shoulders; then find that ______ging the shoulders is easier than depressing them. It seems reasonable to assume that if your client’s right shoulder appears higher, muscles on the right are shorter and tighter than the corresponding muscles on the left. An exception to this might be if you were assessing someone with a neurological condition (e.g., having suffered a stroke) and she had a dropped shoulder as a result of low tone on one side of her body. Therapists have observed that, for many people, the dominant shoulder is naturally depressed and slightly protracted. If you are right-handed, your right shoulder may be slightly lower and more protracted than your left. Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their discomfort. This woman is standing ‘relaxed'.

During a postural assessment, if one shoulder appears higher than the other, it may be due to shortening in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius. Shrugging your shoulders and then relaxing can help differentiate whether one shoulder is truly higher or the other is lower. It is reasonable to assume that if a client’s ______ shoulder appears higher, muscles on the ______ are shorter and tighter than the corresponding muscles on the left. Therapists have observed that, for many people, the dominant shoulder is naturally depressed and slightly protracted. Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their discomfort. This woman is standing ‘relaxed'.

What does upward rotation of the scapula suggest?

Which muscle weakness is associated with downward rotation of the scapula?

What might differences in the position of the inferior angle of the scapula indicate?

What happens to a downwardly rotated scapula at the superior and inferior angles?

In clients with poor posture, what is a common observation related to scapula position?

What is a potential implication of tension in the levator scapulae based on scapular rotation?

Upward rotation of the scapula suggests tension in the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and upper fibers of the trapezius, and weakness in the __________ major and the lower fibers of the trapezius.

During upward rotation, an upwardly rotated scapula will be adducted at the superior angle and abducted at the inferior angle; a downwardly rotated scapula will be abducted at the superior angle and adducted at the inferior angle. In both cases, the scapulae could be elevated or __________.

Scapular rotation occurs as a result of tension in some tissues and weakness or slackening in others. Upward rotation suggests tension in the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and the upper fibers of the trapezius, and weakness in the rhomboid major and the lower fibers of the __________.

An upwardly rotated scapula will be adducted at the superior angle and abducted at the inferior angle; a downwardly rotated scapula will be abducted at the superior angle and adducted at the inferior angle. In both cases, the scapulae could be __________ or depressed.

Scapular rotation occurs as a result of tension in some tissues and weakness or slackening in others. Upward rotation suggests tension in the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and the upper fibers of the trapezius, and weakness in the rhomboid major and the lower fibers of the __________.

During upward rotation, an upwardly rotated scapula will be adducted at the superior angle and abducted at the inferior angle; a downwardly rotated scapula will be abducted at the superior angle and adducted at the inferior angle. In both cases, the scapulae could be __________ or depressed.

Tension in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius can result in downward rotation of the scapula.

Differences in the position of the inferior angle can only be due to elevation or depression of the scapula, not rotation.

An upwardly rotated scapula will be adducted at the superior angle and abducted at the inferior angle.

Scapular rotation occurs solely due to weakness in the rhomboid major muscle.

The levator scapulae is a muscle that contributes to upward rotation of the scapula.

Retraction of the scapulae is common in individuals with a slouched posture.

Scapular rotation occurs as a result of tension in some tissues and weakness in others. Upward rotation suggests tension in the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor and the upper fibers of the trapezius, and weakness in the ______ major and the lower fibers of the trapezius.

During a postural assessment, if one shoulder appears higher than the other, it may be due to shortening in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius. Shrugging your shoulders and then relaxing can help determine which shoulder is truly higher or ______.

In a postural assessment, when the client's head is tilted to one side, it indicates tightness in the muscles that laterally flex the head and neck on the ______ side.

The inferior angle is elevated when the whole ______ is elevated. Muscles of ______r elevation may be shorter on the side of the elevation. So if you observe that the inferior angle on the client’s left ______ is higher compared to the inferior angle of the client’s right ______, this could mean that the upper fibers of the trapezius on the left, plus the left levator ______e are shortened.

In individuals with protracted scapulae, there may be potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______

Upward rotation of the scapula suggests tension in the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and upper fibers of the trapezius, and weakness in the ______ major and the lower fibers of the trapezius.

What term is more accurately used to describe a scapula sticking out like a wing due to the serratus anterior muscle's inability to keep it fixed against the rib cage?

What postural issue can occur if muscles attaching to the anterior of the scapula shorten, causing the scapula to tilt forwards with the inferior angle becoming prominent?

What can be a cause of true winging of the scapula, as mentioned in the text?

In a postural assessment, what might an elevated inferior angle of the left scapula compared to the right suggest?

What is a potential indicator that a client may not be using one shoulder, especially following an injury?

What is a common outcome of disuse of the shoulder, particularly noticeable in older clients, as mentioned in the text?

The term often used to describe what happens to the scapula when the serratus anterior muscle is unable to keep it fixed against the rib cage is ______.

True winging of the scapula can occur due to damage to the ______ nerve or the muscle itself.

During a postural assessment, if one shoulder appears higher than the other, it may be due to shortening in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the ______ muscle.

Many people adopt a kyphotic posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______ muscle.

Observation of people with adhesive capsulitis or who have had their upper limb immobilized may reveal atrophy of the shoulder muscles on the affected ______.

Uneven ear height could suggest that your client has her head tilted to one side, with a laterally flexed ______.

The term 'winging' is accurately used to describe the tilting of the scapula when the trapezius muscle is unable to keep it fixed against the rib cage.

True winging can occur due to damage to the long thoracic nerve.

The inferior angle of a scapula becomes more prominent when muscles attaching to the posterior of the scapula shorten.

A client's posterior postural assessment can provide insights into the state of soft tissues on the anterior of the body.

Upward rotation of the scapula suggests tension in the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and lower fibers of the trapezius.

Clients with neck pain may elevate their shoulders protectively in an attempt to reduce their neck pain.

The figure on the right shows evidence of ______.

A trick you can do if you do not wish to use body pens is to gently run a fingernail down either side of the ______.

You will gain more information about the spine when you carry out your lateral postural assessment, in which you assess for ______ and kyphosis.

It is important to remember that there are many causes of ______.

It may be congenital, the result of injury or altered biomechanics or the result of a leg length discrepancy, in which case the pelvis tilts laterally and the spine is forced to ______.

Neverthless, it is useful when making your first impressions of this region to note whether the client is kyphotic or has a flat ______.

What is a potential cause of scoliosis mentioned in the text?

How can a massage therapist assess for scoliosis without using body pens according to the text?

What should a massage therapist observe in a client's spine to check for deviations according to the text?

Why is it cautioned against assuming treatments for scoliosis aimed at lengthening tissues on one side will resolve the problem?

What is the importance of noting if a client is kyphotic during the initial assessment?

What additional information can a massage therapist gain during a lateral postural assessment?

It is important to remember that there are many causes of ______.

A trick you can do if you do not wish to use body pens is to gently run a fingernail down either side of the spine to leave a slight red mark, then observe if they are straight or deviate to assess for ______.

Many people adopt a ______ posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______ muscle.

During downward rotation of the scapula, the medial border and inferior angle are adducted towards the spine, shortening the rhomboid ______ and lengthening the rhomboid minor and levator scapulae.

Uneven ear height always indicates a laterally flexed ______ spine.

It may be congenital, the result of injury or altered biomechanics or the result of a leg length discrepancy, in which case the pelvis tilts laterally and the spine is forced to ______.

Lateral deviation of the spine, known as scoliosis, can be caused by a leg length discrepancy.

In a lateral postural assessment, kyphosis and lordosis are primarily evaluated in the thoracic spine.

A client who is kyphotic will have an exaggerated inward curvature in the lumbar spine.

Scoliosis is only congenital and never caused by injury or altered biomechanics.

An individual with protracted scapulae may experience weakness in the lower fibers of the trapezius muscle.

True winging of the scapula can result from damage to the long thoracic nerve.

The thoracic cage could be imagined as a cylinder positioned between the head (also a cylinder) and the pelvis (a rectangular block). Not only can these structures rotate, but they can also shift to one side, sliding across one another like a child’s wooden play blocks. In this photo, the medial border of the right scapula appears not only more prominent than the left scapula but also closer to the observer. This suggests that the trunk is rotated _______.

Many muscles affect the rotation of the thorax, not just the muscles attaching to this part of the body. Table 3.2 summarises how muscle length may correspond to the positions of the trunk when it is rotated. If you are wondering why muscles of the neck are included in this table, look in a mirror and rotate your trunk one way; notice what the muscles of your neck must do in order to keep your head facing forward. Table 3.2 Muscle Length Corresponding to rotation of the trunk *The psoas is not a definitive rotator, yet recent research suggests it may be more involved in stability of the spine, including rotation, than originally thought.

Many people adopt a ______ posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______ muscle.

During postural assessment, if one shoulder appears higher than the other, it may be due to shortening in the ______ and upper fibers of the trapezius.

An upwardly rotated scapula will be adducted at the superior angle and abducted at the inferior angle; a downwardly rotated scapula will be abducted at the superior angle and adducted at the inferior angle. In both cases, the scapulae could be _______ or depressed.

Retraction of the scapulae occurs when people adopt a military-style ______.

The thoracic cage is positioned between the head and the pelvis, and can only rotate but not shift to one side.

The medial border of the right scapula appearing more prominent than the left suggests a counterclockwise trunk rotation.

Muscles of the neck play no role in the rotation of the trunk as per the information provided in Table 3.2.

The psoas muscle is considered a definitive rotator according to recent research findings.

During upward rotation of the scapula, the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and upper fibers of the trapezius are under tension.

A right-handed archer typically has hypertrophied rhomboids on the right side.

What can be a helpful way to visualize the relationship among the head, thorax, and pelvis?

Why is the medial border of the right scapula appearing more prominent in the text?

How is the psoas muscle mainly described in relation to the rotation of the spine in the text?

What muscles may affect the rotation of the thorax according to Table 3.2 in the text?

In what way do structures like cylinders and rectangular blocks interact in the context of body movement in the text?

Why is it important for massage therapists to identify misaligned vertebrae during postural assessment?

What recent research suggests about the role of the psoas muscle?

During a postural assessment, what might an elevated inferior angle of the left scapula suggest?

What happens during downward rotation of the scapula?

What can an exaggerated inward curvature in the lumbar spine indicate?

What would observing noticeably atrophied supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles indicate during a postural assessment?

The psoas is more involved in stability of the spine, including rotation, than originally thought. Trunk rotated to the right would shorten the left psoas and left lumbar erector spinae. Muscles that rotate the neck to the left include the left internal oblique and right external oblique.

The right psoas and right lumbar erector spinae are muscles that rotate the neck to the right. Trunk rotated to the left would shorten the _____ muscles.

Observing marks placed on the client after palpating the cervical spine can provide additional information for treatment. A trick you can do if you do not wish to use body pens is to gently run a fingernail down either side of the spine to leave a slight red mark, then observe if they are straight or deviate to assess for ____.

During downward rotation of the scapula, the medial border and inferior angle are ____ towards the spine.

An upwardly rotated scapula will be adducted at the superior angle and abducted at the inferior angle. Weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ____ may be present in individuals with protracted scapulae.

What does observing more or deeper skin creases on one side of the trunk compared to the other indicate?

What is the purpose of asking a client to lean (laterally flex) to one side during the observation of skin creases?

In the context of lateral flexion, what does lengthening tissues on one side and compressing on the other result in?

What could a lack of skin creases indicate in a client?

How does lateral flexion affect the skin creases on the trunk?

Why is it important to observe skin creases when assessing lateral flexion?

When we laterally flex, we lengthen tissues of the opposite side while compressing the side to which we are flexing. The result is to deepen the creases on the side to which we are flexed. A key lateral flexor of the spine is the quadratus lumborum. More or deeper creases on the right side of the trunk may indicate a shortened quadratus lumborum on that side. This step is about determining whether there is a difference between the left and right sides of the body and enables you to use your observations of the skin to explain what may be happening to deeper structures. ________________

Retraction of the scapulae occurs when people adopt a military-style ______.

The term often used to describe what happens to the scapula when the serratus anterior muscle is unable to keep it fixed against the rib cage is ______.

The result of a leg length discrepancy, in which case the pelvis tilts laterally and the spine is forced to ______.

Protraction of the scapulae often accompanies poor posture where the rhomboids and lower fibers of the trapezius are lengthened and weak ______.

Many people adopt a ______ posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______ muscle.

In a postural assessment, if a client's right shoulder appears higher, what might be a possible reason?

What could be a reason for a client having a shorter quadratus lumborum on one side?

What could cause a client's arm to be abducted more, leading to greater space between the arm and trunk?

What could be a reason for the space between the left arm and trunk being larger than that between the right arm and trunk?

Why might a client experience a larger space between their left arm and trunk than their right arm?

What could result in greater space between a client's arm and trunk on one side?

The client may have a shorter quadratus lumborum on the side to which he is ______

The space between your right arm and that side of your trunk increases when you laterally ______ to the right

If a person's right shoulder appears higher, it could be due to shorter and tighter muscles on the right compared to the ______

Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their ______

Many people adopt a kyphotic posture when sitting, leading to protracted scapulae and potential weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the ______

If you are ______-handed, your ______ shoulder may be slightly lower and more protracted than your left

In a relaxed posture, the space between the right arm and the trunk is usually larger compared to the space between the left arm and the trunk.

If a client is laterally flexed to one side, they may have a shorter quadratus lumborum on the opposite side.

Tension in the levator scapulae and upper fibers of the trapezius can result in upward rotation of the scapula.

An upwardly rotated scapula will be abducted at the superior angle and adducted at the inferior angle.

Protraction of the scapulae leads to lengthening and weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the trapezius.

Clients with shoulder pain often flex their necks to the opposite side of the pain to minimize movement.

What is the significance of observing the position of the elbow in a client's postural assessment?

Why might internally rotated humerus contribute to shoulder pain?

How can observing the client's elbows help in identifying shoulder issues?

What could be a result of a client having dropped or elevated shoulders?

In postural assessment, what might internally rotated elbows indicate about a client?

Why is it important to assess whether a client is internally rotated at the glenohumeral joint?

Observation of the position of the ______ can help you assess whether the client is internally rotated at the glenohumeral joint.

The internal rotators of the humerus might be shortened, such as the subscapularis, pectoralis major, and teres major, if the client's humerus is internally rotated at the ______.

During postural assessment, internally rotated elbows might indicate issues with the client's shoulder pain caused by the impingement of soft tissues due to an internally rotated ______.

If a client's right shoulder appears higher, it could be due to shorter and tighter muscles on the right compared to the ______.

Observation of the position of the ______ is significant in understanding the client's postural alignment and potential shoulder issues.

The woman could have a tight right sternocleidomastoid muscle, tight left scalenes, plus a tight left levator scapulae muscle relative to these same muscles on the ______ side of the neck.

The inferior angle is elevated when the whole scapula is elevated.

Uneven ear height could suggest that your client has her head tilted to one side, with a laterally flexed knee.

The psoas muscle is considered a definitive rotator according to recent research findings.

During downward rotation of the scapula, the rhomboid minor is lengthened.

Shoulder pain can cause clients to laterally flex their necks towards the side of pain.

The figure on the right shows evidence of protracted scapulae.

What does the visibility of the palm indicate during a postural assessment?

How might shortening of the supinators or pronators affect the hand position in a standing client?

In a postural assessment, what might an internally rotated humerus indicate for the client?

What can be inferred about a client with a visibly internally rotated humerus?

How can alterations in the position of the hand during a postural assessment affect the humerus?

Clients with neck pain may subconsciously elevate their shoulder protectively in an attempt to reduce their ______.

Protraction of the scapulae leads to lengthening and weakness in the rhomboids and lower fibers of the trapezius.

Many of us have less than straight spines and have no pain or problems in this structure ______

Retraction of the scapulae occurs when people adopt a military-style ______.

If a client is laterally flexed to one side, they may have a shorter quadratus lumborum on the opposite ______.

The purpose of putting marks on the neck area during postural assessment is to help identify deviations.

Observation of uneven ear height is a reliable indicator of lateral flexion in a client's cervical spine.

During downward rotation of the scapula, the rhomboid minor is shortened.

Lateral deviation of the spine, known as scoliosis, can be caused by a leg length discrepancy.

Clients with poor posture often have slightly adducted scapulae.