The Shoulder

Basic Functional Examination

Execution of the examination

General Remarks

Adopt the correct position from where to start
Adopt a correct position of the hands
Look for the pain and not for a non-relevant unpleasant feeling
Always compare with the contralateral (normal) joint
Passive movements are done until the end of range is reached

Positive and negative results are brought together to form a pattern that points in the direction of either a pathology or a group of pathologies. In the latter, further information will be required to reach a more precise diagnosis. This information may be gained by accessory tests.
An accessory examination is also done to positively confirm an existing but tentative diagnosis, to disclose the precise point affected within the structure or to confirm and further examine instability.

Execution of the examination

General Remarks

Pattern