The Exam for Shoulder Pain - Stanford Medicine 25

Stanford Medicine 252 minutes read

Dr. Brenda Christopher explains how to clinically examine shoulder pain patients, covering muscle inspection, range of movement, and specific tests for various tendons and pathologies. She details impingement tests, additional assessments for biceps tendon, adhesive capsulitis, and labral tears, focusing on movements and palpation techniques.

Insights

  • Dr. Brenda Christopher emphasizes the importance of a thorough clinical examination for shoulder pain patients, covering muscle bulk, bony abnormalities, range of movement, and specific tests for various tendons and pathologies.
  • The examination includes a detailed explanation of key tests such as Neer's, Empty Can, Hawkins Kennedy, Speed's, Yergason's, O'Brien's, and Crank's, focusing on identifying pain triggers and assessing strength, providing a comprehensive approach to diagnosing shoulder issues.

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Recent questions

  • How does a physician examine shoulder pain?

    By inspecting muscle bulk, range of motion, and specific tests.

  • What are common tests for shoulder pain?

    Tests include Neer's, Empty Can, and Hawkins Kennedy.

  • How are rotator cuff tendons assessed?

    By performing specific movements and positions.

  • What is the purpose of impingement tests?

    To reduce space and elicit pain in the shoulder.

  • How are labral tears diagnosed?

    Through tests like Speed's, O'Brien's, and Crank's.

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Summary

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Clinical Examination of Shoulder Pain Patients

  • Dr. Brenda Christopher, a sports and exercise medicine physician, discusses the clinical examination of shoulder pain patients, starting with a general inspection of muscle bulk and bony abnormalities.
  • The examination includes assessing range of movement, scapular motion, and comparing right to left for asymmetries.
  • Specific tests for rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) are detailed, including positions and movements to assess strength and pain.
  • Impingement tests like Neer's, Empty Can, and Hawkins Kennedy are explained, focusing on reducing space to elicit pain.
  • Additional tests for biceps tendon (Speed's, Yergason's), adhesive capsulitis, acromioclavicular pathology, chronic shoulder instability, and labral tears (Speed's, O'Brien's, Crank's) are outlined with specific movements and palpation techniques.
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