Optimal methods for shoulder tendon palpation: a cadaver study

Department of Physical Therapy, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4586, USA.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 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. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four shoulders from 12 cadavers of individuals aged 55 to 92 years were dissected. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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.

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