Shoulder Strength and Instability Tests

The shoulder exam continues with strength testing of the rotator cuff muscles and the biceps tendons. These tests help assess common sources of shoulder pain and guide the next steps in the exam.

The rotator cuff includes the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles. T...

1. Strength Testing of the Rotator Cuff Muscle

Strength testing of the rotator cuff is assessed using resisted motion. The following resisted motions should be tested:

1. External rotation: Ask the patient to bend both elbows to 90 ° with arms hanging at the side and then push both hands ...