range of movement
Last reviewed 07/2023
Tests of range of movement of the shoulder joint can be divided into:
- active motion tests
- look for a painful arc (70-120° active abduction).
- test for a significant rotator cuff tear ('drop arm test' ? patient unable to support the weight of the affected arm abducted to 90°)
- passive motion tests
- test passive external rotation (less than 50% range of movement compared to the unaffected side suggests a glenohumeral problem)
Reference:
- (1) ARC. Management of shoulder disorders in primary care. Hands On 2008; 14:1-8.