The Shoulder

Basic Functional Examination

Basic Principles:

The basic functional examination is standardized, which permits a systematic search for signs.

All the different tissues of the shoulder are tested in a functional way: They are brought selectively under tension and the results are noted.

The combination of positive and negative answers forms a pattern that leads to a diagnosis.

Applied to the shoulder

The basic shoulder examination consists of 12 tests:

three elevations (active / detection of a painful arc / passive)
three passive tests for the scapulohumeral joint
six resisted movements.

Interpretation

After having performed all twelve tests, the sum of both positive and negative answers forms a pattern pointing to a pathology or a group of pathologies.