Palpation hypertonic muscle

Initially, the patient may report pain, spasm, or decreased function, but one goal of the treatment is to decrease the tonicity of the muscles. Patient symptoms appear to be directly related to the amount of increased muscular tone. The larger, more superficial muscles are easily identified, especially when hypertonicity exists. Even though a patient can be in any position, having them lie supine or prone will facilitate the process. A muscle, such as the trapezius, can be easily palpated in the cervical, shoulder, and upper thoracic regions. The trapezius between the shoulder and neck can be grasped, or other... 

The soft tissues of the thoracic area should be palpated for texture changes skin, fascia, subcutaneous tissues, and muscle. Large muscle hypertonicity or small localized areas of muscle tension should be noted. Areas of tenderness or specific Jones tender points or trigger points should be noted. 

The physician then palpates deeper into the muscle tissue. The paraspinal muscles lie parallel to the spinal column. They are larger in the lumbar region than in other regions of the spine. The quadratus lumborum attaches to the twelfth rib, the spinal column, and the crest of the ilium. These muscles are frequently the source of low back pain and should be evaluated for hypertonicity, spasm, bogginess, and other tissue texture changes. 

The muscle tissue of the tensor fascia lata is palpated starting at the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and descending downwards for approximately 4 to 6 inches. It will feel like a firm rope and be tender to the touch when hypertonic. 

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