The Painful Shoulder Part 1

Description: The Painful Shoulder: Part I. Clinical Evaluation THOMAS W. WOODWARD, M.D., and THOMAS M. BEST, M.D., PH.D. University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin Family physicians need to understand diagnostic and treatment strategies for common causes of shoulder pain. We review key elements of the history and physical examination and describe maneuvers that can be used to reach an appropriate diagnosis. Examination of the shoulder should include inspection, palpation, evaluation of range of motion and provocative testing. In addition, a thorough sensorimotor examination of the upper extremity should be performed, and the neck and elbow should be evaluated. (Am Fam Physician 2000;61:3079-88.)