To Evaluate for Pectoralis Minor Tightness on the R Side

  • The therapist places their L thenar eminence on the superior border of the patient’s R 3rd thru 5th ribs.
  • The therapist’s R arm passively raises and supports the patient’s R arm overhead.
  • The therapist applies an inferior and medial glide to the ribs and pectoral fascia from ribs #3-5 to assess for hypertonicity in the pectoralis minor.
  • No restriction was detected in this patient who presented with a protracted R shoulder.

Significance of Posterior Capsule Tightness:

  • Tightness of the posterior capsule correlates to a loss of internal rotation and increased anterior humeral head translation (Tyler et al, 1999; Tyler et al., 2000)
  • Tightness of the posterior capsule is linked to increased superior migration of the humeral head (Harryman et al., 1990))
  • A positive Tyler posterior shoulder tightness test has been found in patients with subacromial impingement (Tyler et al, 2000)
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