Special Tests- Shoulder

Question 1

what is the special test for Adhesive Capsulitis?

Answer 1

• Scarf Test

Question 2

what is the starting position of the adhesive capsulitis test?

Answer 2

• pt in standing

Question 3

what movement is performed in the adhesive capsulitis special test?

Answer 3

• passively bring pt arm into 90 degrees of forward flexion
• pt elbow also fixed to 90 degrees

Question 4

once in the position, what does the physio perform in the adhesive capsulitis special test?

Answer 4

• horizontally adducts the flexed arm across patient’s body
• bring elbow towards contralateral shoulder

Question 5

when is the adhesive capsulitis special test positive?

Answer 5

• restricted range of motion
• localised pain

Question 6

what is the special test for subacromial pain syndrome?

Answer 6

• Hawkins- Kennedy Test

Question 7

what is the starting position of the subacromial pain syndrome special test?

Answer 7

• pt in standing
• arm forward flexed to 90 degrees and elbow in 90 degrees flexion

Question 8

where are the examiners hands in subacromial pain syndrome special test?

Answer 8

• outside hand stabilises proximal to elbow
• other hand just proximal to patient’s wrist

Question 9

what movement occurs in the subacromial pain syndrome special test?

Answer 9

• passively moved into internal rotation
  (downwards)

Question 10

what does the internal rotation of the subacromial pain syndrome special test drive?

Answer 10

• drives the greater tuberosity under the coracoacromial arch
• impinging supraspinatus tendon

Question 11

when is the subacromial pain syndrome special test positive?

Answer 11

• pain experienced during internal rotation

Question 12

what is the special test for glenohumeral instability & dislocation? what does it identify?

Answer 12

• anterior apprehension test
• identifies past theory of anterior shoulder dislocation

Question 13

what is the pt starting position of the glenohumeral instability and dislocation special test?

Answer 13

• pt starts in supine
• shuffled to side of bed so shoulder hanging off

Question 14

where do you stabilise in the glenohumeral instability & dislocation special test?

Answer 14

• stabilise the humerus

Question 15

what movement occurs in the glenohumeral instability & dislocation special test?

Answer 15

• flex pt elbow to 90
• abduct patient’s shoulder to 90 in sagittal plane and 180 in frontal

Question 16

what should you slowly apply in the glenohumeral instability & dislocation special test? what should you look out for?

Answer 16

• slowly apply external rotation to arm to 90 degrees
• carefully monitor for signs of apprehension

Question 17

what is a positive glenohumeral instability & dislocation test?

Answer 17

• pt reports fear of luxation at greater ROMS
• patient doesn’t allow movement