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Soft Tissue Release (STR) treatments for the shoulder protractors

This is an excerpt from Soft Tissue Release, 4th Edition by Mary Sanderson.

STR to the serratus anterior is most easily administered with the subject in a side-lying position (see fig. 5.7). The muscle may be targeted using fingers to lock in across the muscle, so as to avoid crushing tissue between the ribs. Gently pull the arm back to extend the shoulder and produce retraction of the shoulder girdle; alternatively, lock in and instruct the subject to perform active retraction (see fig. 5.8).

Figure 5.7. Passive STR to the serratus anterior.
Figure 5.7. Passive STR to the serratus anterior.

Figure 5.8. Active STR to the serratus anterior.
Figure 5.8. Active STR to the serratus anterior.

Prior to addressing pectoralis minor, ensure that pectoralis major has been released. Use fingers or a reinforced phalange to target pectoralis minor away from the coracoid process; instruct the subject to retract the scapula into the couch.

With the subject in a supine position, pectoralis minor can be reached specifically by abducting the arm to 90 degrees and gently delving under pectoralis major, towards the coracoid process and the origin of the muscle (fig. 5.9a). Once reached, the depth should be maintained while the subject raises the arm to draw the scapula upwards (fig. 5.9b).

Figure 5.9. Active STR to the pectoralis minor.
Figure 5.9. Active STR to the pectoralis minor.

Alternatively, a retraction movement can be achieved by the subject pushing the posterior shoulder or arm down into the table. Either way, the pressure needs to be released promptly, as it can be uncomfortable.

More Excerpts From Soft Tissue Release, 4th Edition
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