Scapulothoracic Protraction & Retraction

Position of the therapist:

• Standing at the long edge of the bench

Position of the patient:

• Side-lying position on the unaffected side close to the edge and facing the therapist
• Hips and knees bent for stability
• Protraction: Patient’s arm rests on therapist’s forearm in flexion
• Retraction: Patient’s arm placed behind the back

Hand placement:

• Protraction: Both hands grab onto the scapula with the fingers gripping onto the medial border of the scapula and superior angle
• Retraction: One hand over the anterior aspect of the acromion and humeral head. The other hand at the lateral border of the scapula

Direction:

• Protraction: Therapist pulls scapula towards himself while bending through the knees
• Retraction: Therapist pushes shoulder girdle into retraction