Standing or sitting
For women, a gown over the non-examined side with the examined area exposed or a halter top is recommended.
For men, removal of the shirt is requested.
Anterior, lateral or posterior to the patient.
May I place my fingers on your shoulder? (or point to the demonstrated area)
With the patient relaxed, gently place your fingers around the proximal humerus. Either guide or
demonstrate motions and have the patient move through glenohumeral flexion and extension,
abduction and adduction, medial and lateral rotation, and horizontal abduction and adduction.
Observe the joint as the motions occur.
VH - close up of the lateral skeleton showing the shoulder joint.