Shoulder Mobility Screening

Importance of Assessments

• Provides valuable information about a client's tight or weak areas
• Helps tailor exercise programs to individual needs
• Educates clients, increasing health literacy and autonomy

Anatomy of the Shoulder

• Two Joints:
  • Glenohumeral joint (humerus and glenoid fossa)
  • Scapulothoracic joint (scapula and thorax)
• Movements include: flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal, and external rotation

Apley's Scratch Test

• Purpose: Assess shoulder mobility
• Movements:
  1. Raise arm, bend elbow, reach for opposite shoulder blade
  2. Extend arm, bend elbow, touch opposite shoulder blade with back of hand
• Indicators:
  • Ability to touch landmarks shows good mobility
  • Inability or asymmetry could indicate need for further assessment

Further Assessments

Shoulder Flexion and Extension

• Flexion Test:
  • Lie on back, knees bent
  • Reach arms overhead without arching back; thumbs should touch ground
• Extension Test:
  • Lie prone, forehead on ground
  • Lift arms with thumbs facing ground; aim for 50-60 degree angle
• Limitations:
  • Tightness in antagonist muscles, weakness in agonist muscles
  • Example: Limited shoulder extension suggests tight flexors, weak extensors
  • Exercises: Capsule stretches, prone arm lifts

Internal and External Rotation

• Position:
  • Lie on back, knees bent, elbows level with shoulders, fingertips to sky
• Internal Rotation Test:
  • Move palm towards floor, maintain elbow on ground
  • Achieve 70 degrees for good mobility
  • Tight external rotators limit movement
• External Rotation Test:
  • Try to touch ground with back of hand
  • Tight internal rotators indicate limitation
• Corrective Actions:
  • Strengthen and stretch internal and external rotators

Conclusion

• Custom programs are essential
• Use assessments to guide individualized client plans