SHOULDERS. Usually you need to check the whole rib cage at the same time as this affects the shoulders – see below under RIBS. SHOULDER BLADES. (Scapulae) Person sits on a stool so that you can look at their back.

1. Check the lowest points of each shoulder blade (scapula).
2. Check that they are the same height.
3. Adjust by pushing up from below.
4. Check the tops of the shoulder blades (spine of scapula and acromion).
5. Adjust by pushing down on the higher.
6. Check that the distance between the spine and the sides of the blades are the same.
7. Adjust by pushing sideways.
8. From the front, check the coracoid processes just below the clavicles.
9. Adjust according to how it feels best to the person.

COLLAR BONE - (Clavicle) Attached to the acromion on the scapula and the manubrium (top of breast bone) Measure from the front.

1. Check the ends of the collar bones that are attached to the breast bone.
2. Check that they are the same height.
3. Adjust by pushing down or up appropriately.
4. Always go on the extra sensitivity of the person when deciding direction.
5. Check if one end is further forward than the other.
6. Adjust by pushing in and slightly outwards.
7. Check the centres of the two collar bones that they are the same height.
8. Adjust by pushing up or down.
9. The ends of the collar bones that attach to the points of the shoulders should be level If not, If Re-if you have adjusted the scapula. Check them.
10. Many people have broken a collar bone at some time, so they may be uneven to the touch.

TOP OF THE ARM - (Head of Humerus) The humerus fits into the glenoid cavity in the scapula. The joint is ball and socket. Person sits. Stand behind them and examine the movement of the ball in the socket after you have adjusted the shoulder blades and the collar bones. The movement should be easier once these have been adjusted. Let the person allow you to do the movements while they do nothing; this helps the muscles to relax. Move the upper arm back and forth gently, taking the weight at the person’s elbow. Lift out and back very gently. These movements need to be very small and slow at first; this sends a message to the autonomic brain that the surrounding muscles can now relax as the bones are back in the correct positions. If there is still pain, check the FIRST RIBS. These are attached to the manubrium, just below the clavicle, in the front, and to the spine at the back, at the base of the neck, (to each side of T1, the tranverse processes of the first thoracic vertebra). If necessary, check the second rib as well (from each side of T2 at the back and either side of the top of the sternum in the front). Find the highest points of the two top ribs either side of the neck and slightly back.

1. Feel the muscle (trapezius) each side and then the bones of the ribs beneath.
2. Take your time, do not press hard or you will hurt the person.
3. Check if they are the same height.
4. Adjust by holding your hand on the higher side.
5. Ask the person to put their head back diagonally to that side, this lowers the rib.
6. Hold your hand still while the person brings their head upright on the out-breath.
7. This keeps the first rib in the correct position.
8. It also eases tension in the low neck and in the shoulders.