Shoulder RoM Tests

Question 1

Abduction

Answer 1

Ask the patient to raise their arms out to the side until they’re above their head; ask patient to report the pain arc

Question 2

Cross-Body Adduction

Answer 2

Ask patient to flex their arm forward to 90 degrees, then move it across their body to the opposite side

Question 3

Flexion

Answer 3

Ask the patient to move their arms forward and up until it’s their above their head

Question 4

External Rotation

Answer 4

Ask the patient to flex their elbow to 90 degrees, then move their forearm out to the side.

Question 5

Internal rotation

Answer 5

Ask the patient to flex their elbow to 90 degrees, then move their forearm in across their body. Ask them to touch the opposite shoulder or scapula

Question 6

Scapular Movement

Answer 6

Ask the patient to abduct their shoulder while you feel the bottom of their scapula

Question 7

Normal RoM for the Shoulder

Answer 7

180 degrees;
painful movement may indicate a problem with a specific structure in the shoulder, while painless restriction may indicate a motor nerve issue.