Shoulder Region Palpation Techniques

Study Notes

Shoulder Region Palpation Techniques

General Principles

Palpation is a systematic and gentle examination of the shoulder region using the fingertips to gather information about the underlying soft tissue structures.
It is essential to palpate with the patient's arm in a relaxed position to avoid muscle tension.

Bony Landmarks

Acromion process: palpate the lateral edge of the acromion process to identify the anterior, middle, and posterior aspects.
Scapula: palpate the superior angle, spine, and inferior angle to identify the scapular body and its borders.
Clavicle: palpate the medial and lateral ends to identify the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints.

Soft Tissue Structures

Deltoid muscle: palpate the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid muscles to identify areas of tenderness or tension.
Supraspinatus muscle: palpate the supraspinatus fossa to identify areas of tenderness or tension.
Infraspinatus muscle: palpate the infraspinatus fossa to identify areas of tenderness or tension.
Subacromial bursa: palpate the subacromial space to identify areas of tenderness or swelling.

Palpation Techniques

Light palpation: use gentle pressure to assess for superficial tenderness or swelling.
Deep palpation: use firmer pressure to assess for deeper structures, such as the rotator cuff muscles.
Resisted palpation: use resistance to assess for muscle strength and tendonitis.

Special Tests

Hawkin's test: palpate the supraspinatus tendon with the arm in internal rotation to assess for tenderness or pain.
Speed's test: palpate the bicipital groove with the arm in flexion to assess for tenderness or pain.

Common Findings

Tenderness: indicates inflammation or irritation of the underlying soft tissue structures.
Swelling: indicates fluid accumulation or inflammation in the subacromial bursa or surrounding soft tissues.
Trigger points: indicates areas of hypersensitivity or muscle spasm.

Description

Learn about the systematic and gentle examination of the shoulder region, including bony landmarks, soft tissue structures, and palpation techniques. This quiz covers the principles and methods of shoulder region palpation.