Physical Exam

Shoulder Active Range of Motion

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Ask the patient to move the shoulder through the full range of motion in flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and internal and external rotation. Note the range achieved in each direction, the smoothness of movement, and any pain or hesitation.

How to Interpret

Rotator Cuff Disease

Painful arc — pain through the mid-range of active abduction (about 60–120°)

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

Somewhat helpful

Evidence:Limited

References

Hermans J, Luime JJ, Meuffels DE, Reijman M, Simel DL, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA. Does this patient with shoulder pain have rotator cuff disease? The Rational Clinical Examination systematic review. JAMA. 2013;310(8):837-847. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.276187. PMID: 23982370.
Mitsch J, Casey J, McKinnis R, Kegerreis S, Stikeleather J. Investigation of a consistent pattern of motion restriction in patients with adhesive capsulitis. J Man Manip Ther. 2004;12(3):153-159. doi:10.1179/106698104790825257.
Tate AR, McClure P, Kareha S, Irwin D, Barbe MF. A clinical method for identifying scapular dyskinesis, part 2: validity. J Athl Train. 2009;44(2):165-173. PMID: 19295961.
Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.