Flexibility, Range of Motion and Strength Among Patients With Differing Response to the Scapular and Humeral Assistance Tests

Shoulder pain may result from abnormal arm or shoulder blade (scapular) movement. These abnormal movements may result from a variety of flexibilty, motion or strength impairments. Therefore identifying any abnormal arm or scapular movement, as well as any impairments that are associated with them can help clinicians plan a proper management strategy for patients presenting with shoulder disorders. Our hypothesis is that specific impairments will be associated with abnormal arm movement, while other impairments will be associated with abnormal scapular movement among patients with shoulder pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older, main complaint of shoulder pain, ability to elevate arm in the scapular plane to at least 135 degrees, pain during scapular plane elevation, can read Hebrew.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Signs or symptoms suggesting cervical spine origin, previous fracture around shoulder complex, traumatic onset of shoulder pain, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatiod arthritis, previous shoulder surgery, loss of 50% or more of passive range of motion in 2 or more planes of motion, positive lag signs, positive apprehension test, pregnancy.