Member May 2026: Physiatrist Tool Kit: Improving the Shoulder Physical Exam in 30 Seconds-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This session introduced a “30-second shoulder exam” designed as a quick, systematic screening tool for physiatrists. Dr. Martinez emphasized that shoulder evaluation should start with inspection, palpation, range of motion, neurologic assessment, and then special tests. He highlighted key anatomy, common causes of shoulder pain, and the importance of also examining the neck.<br /><br />The exam sequence focused on several maneuvers: passive external rotation to identify frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), external rotation lag and resisted external rotation for infraspinatus/teres minor weakness or tears, resisted internal rotation and belly press for subscapularis pathology, drop-arm testing and supraspinatus strength testing using the full-can or empty-can position, resisted forward flexion for biceps tendon pain, and cross-body adduction/scarf sign for AC joint pathology. He noted that imaging should usually follow, not replace, a good physical exam.<br /><br />Dr. Martinez stressed that the exam is a fast, repeatable screening approach, not a complete assessment for all shoulder disorders, and should be customized based on history and suspicion of additional pathology. He also recommended using a structured exam framework and reliable musculoskeletal reference texts to strengthen clinical practice.

Keywords

shoulder exam

physiatry

adhesive capsulitis

rotator cuff

subscapularis pathology

supraspinatus testing

AC joint pathology

physical examination