The Shoulder Exam

The Chiro.Org Blog

The normal Range of Motion (ROM) for the shoulder joint is:

MOTION
NORMAL
FLEXION
180°
EXTENSION
50°
ABDUCTION
180°
ADDUCTION
50°
INT. ROTATION
90°
EXT. ROTATION
90°

The conventional orthopedic tests for shoulder function are Yergason’s, Dawbarn’s, Duga’s, Drop Arm, Apprehension, Apley’s Scratch, Adson’s, Allen’s, Eden’s, and Wright’s.

Review these, and other Orthopedic
and Neurologic Procedures now.

I often find restriction in passive internal and/or external rotation of the humerus (patient lying supine). If the arm will not fully rotate externally, it is because the internal rotators are short and tight. And if the arm will not fully rotate internally, it is because the external rotators are short and tight.

If these muscles are short and tight, you can use the technique called PIR (post-isometric relaxation) to lengthen them. Once they return to normal length, and ROM returns to normal, it’s surprising how many shoulder complaints resolve.

You may also enjoy R.C. Schafer’s
monograph on

Shoulder Girdle Trauma   and our own

Shoulder Page