Supine counterstrain technique for rhomboid tender point

Clinical summary

Jones et al. [4], in their book Strain and Counterstrain, describes the basic principles of treating counterstrain. These involve identifying areas of tenderness related to specific muscles (tender points) and then monitoring that area of tenderness with a finger. Many beneficial changes can be seen with this technique, including reduced pain perception and inflammation with a greater local muscular strength, reduced fascial stiffness, and improved proprioceptive input [5]. Suggested mechanisms behind counterstrain include neurologic changes mediated via mechanoreceptors, Golgi tendons, and Ruffini corpuscles, proprioceptive relationships between antagonist muscles, and altering fibroblast activity to reduce localized inflammation [5–7]. The procedure by Jones et al. [8] is as follows: the muscle of interest is taken into its position of ease, which is accomplished by approximating the origin to the insertion. The physician should appreciate a softening of the monitored area while the patient reports a reduction in tenderness. The reduction of tenderness should show a 75–100 % improvement from the initial palpation [9]. If the reduction of tenderness is not achieved, then fine-tuning of the treatment position can be done until there is 75–100 % improvement. This position is traditionally held for a minimum of 90 s. Throughout the 90 s, the physician is monitoring the tender point for warmth or pulsation. Once 90 s have passed, the patient is passively brought back to a neutral position and the tender point is reassessed for decreased tenderness.

Diagnosis

With the patient supine or seated, the physician palpates the muscle attachment along the medial border of the scapula, which can be identified between the spine of the scapula and the inferior angle. Figure 1 demonstrates the location on a skeleton in a seated position, whereas Figure 2 demonstrates the location on a patient in a supine position.

Figure 1:

The location of the tender point on the skeleton is found along the medial border of the scapula between the spine of the scapula and the inferior angle. The spine and inferior angle of the scapula are demarcated with the black bars.

Figure 2:

The location of the tender point on a supine patient. For the exact location of the tender point, please refer to Figure 1 for the location in an upright position. Because this is a supine treatment, the tender point is usually found in a supine position.

Correcting the dysfunction

After obtaining informed consent, the physician will grasp the arm just proximal to the elbow on the side of the tender point. Internal rotation of the arm is achieved, followed by inferior traction of the arm (Figure 3), bringing the arm down alongside the patient’s body while monitoring the tender point with the opposite hand. The internal rotation of the arm allows the humerus to lock into the scapula, and the inferior traction tilts the scapula at an oblique angle, causing the medial border of the scapula to become closer to the spinous processes of C7-T5. The superior, medial motion of the scapula allows for the shortening of the origin and insertion of the rhomboids. The physician will appreciate a softening and/or warmth as the rhomboids are placed in their position of ease and the patient will report a 75–100 % improvement in their tenderness. If the tenderness is not 75–100 % better, fine-tuning can occur with additional inferior traction or internal rotation of the arm. After holding this position for 90 s, the patient’s arm is returned passively to a neutral position.

Figure 3:

Internal rotation (curved arrow) and inferior traction (straight arrow) are applied to the arm from holding above the elbow.

Discussion

Previous methods of treatment have addressed the rhomboid motion of scapular retraction through shoulder abduction and retraction, but neglected the rotational action. This treatment allows the practitioner to address both retraction and rotational motions of the rhomboid muscles without abduction of the arm. It is important to note that the rhomboids are not the only muscles affected by the positioning of this treatment because there are multiple muscles that assist with scapular retraction and/or scapular internal rotation, such as the trapezius/latissimus dorsi and the subscapularis/pectoralis major/latissimus dorsi/teres major/anterior deltoid, respectively [2]. Additionally, the patient is treated in a supine position, which allows for better relaxation of the patient because other postural muscles, such as the erector spinae, are not in use and there is not as much torque through abduction applied to the shoulder. Finally, this modified approach allows for physician ease during treatment as the weight of the upper extremity can be supported by the table instead of the physician.

Relative limitations for this technique include shoulder instability and adhesive capsulitis; however, if the patient is moved slowly, this concern is minimalized. If technical difficulties arise, such as lack of a manipulation table or the inability of the patient to lay down, this treatment can be converted into a seated treatment. If there is pain or paresthesia during the treatment, the physician should stop the treatment, bring the patient back to a neutral position, and reassess. As with other treatment modalities, trauma, fractures, or inability to relax may lead to deferment. Although counterstrain is generally considered a safe technique, side effects may include posttreatment soreness or numbness/tingling in the arm or hand during treatment. Posttreatment soreness can be reduced by hydration and rest for 24–48 h after treatment [5]. If paresthesia is appreciated, the physician should stop the treatment, bring the patient back to a neutral position, and reassess.

There may be several reasons why this tender point does not resolve. The tender point might be on an adjacent muscle such as the serratus anterior or posterior, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, or the erector spinae group. Surrounding somatic dysfunctions may be present such as sternal or clavicular restrictions or inhalation/exhalation restrictions of the rib cage. Poor posture, such as anteriorly rotated shoulders, has the potential to lead to frequent recurrence of this tender point [8].

Conclusions

The rhomboid tender point should be considered when doing a comprehensive evaluation of upper back and shoulder pain. With this modified treatment, the rhomboid muscles can be thoroughly and efficiently treated due to addressing both main actions in a position that allows for complete patient relaxation.