Special test for the tightness of the pectoralis muscle

• The pectoralis muscle is connected to the front walls of the chest with the bones of the upper arm & shoulder.
• There are two muscles of the pectoralis muscle which is attached to each side of the sternum means breastbone in the human body.
• Two muscles of this pectoralis muscle are = pectoralis major & pectoralis minor.
• This pectoralis muscle tightness test is applied in the clinic the check the tightness of the pectoralis muscle.
• Pectoralis muscle tightness is most common in patients which are felt to pain in the shoulder.
• Both tests are clinical tests for applicants to check the tightness muscle.

Name of the special test for the tightness of the pectoralis muscle :

• Pectoralis major contracture test
• Pectoralis minor tightness

Purpose of the this special tests :

• These tests are used to for check the tightness/contracture of the pectoralis muscle.
• These tests are used to for check the two parts of pectoralis muscle [ pectoralis major & pectoralis minor]

Pectoralis major contracture test :

• The starting position of the patient is supine position.
• Into supine position & claps the hand together behind the head.
• The arms are then lowered until the elbows touch the examining table.
• Result = a positive test occurs if the elbows do not reach the table & indicate a tight pectoralis major muscle.

Pectoralis minor tightness test :

• Pectoralis minor muscle functions along with the rhomboids & levator scapulae to stabilize the scapula during arm extension.
• Tightness of the pectoralis minor can lead to increased scapular protraction &tilting of the inferior angle of the scapula posteriorly.
• Tightness of the pectoralis minor can be tested by having the patient in a supine lying position with the arm forward flexed 30′.
• The examiner places the heel of the hand over the coracoid process & pushes it toward the examining table retracting the scapula.
• Normally, the posterior movement occurs with no discomfort to the patient,&the scapula lies flat against the table.
• However, if there is tightness means muscle tissue stretches over the pectoralis minor muscle during the posterior movement, the test is considered positive.