Shoulder Muscle Tests

• Shoulder Special Tests - Muscle Tests:

  • isometric vs isotonic - consider what is manageable/relevant for pts - pts with high SIN will prefer isometric
  • need to choose what range you're going to assess
  • can focus on functional range that the pts report problems on
  • can focus on isometric assessment in mid range where pts are generally stronger
  • look for:
  • weakness
  • pain
  • compensatory strategies
  • specific muscles tests - tend to be isometric as theyre easier to control/reproduce
• Shoulder Special Tests - Muscle Tests:

  • rotator cuff tests:
  • full can / empty can - biases supraspinatus
  • belly press - biases subscapularis
  • external rotation lag sign (for rotator cuff tear) - biases infraspinatus
  • bicep (and SLAP lesions):
  • speed's test - biases biceps - pain over anterior aspect of the shoulder (over bicipital groove) is a positive finding and may also be indicative of a SLAP lesions as the biceps insert into the superior aspect of the labrum