Upper Body Goniometric Assessment
Technique and potential restricting structures
By Brent Brookbush DPT, PT, COMT, MS, PES, CES, CSCS, ACSM H/FS
For an introduction to goniometric assessment including definitions of specific terminology, defining a "good assessment," discussion on what goniometry measures and best use, check out: Introduction to Goniometry
A list of potential restricting structures and links to articles on techniques specific to those structures is included below. The lists were compiled using various texts (1 - 8), clinical outcomes, and predictive models of postural dysfunction in an attempt to consider all of the muscular, articular, fascial and neural structures that may restrict each motion.
Printable PDF - Assessment Template
Shoulder External Rotation (1-2, 9-16, 20-21)
Shoulder External Rotation | Firm End Feel | 90 - 95° PROM | |
| Fulcrum: Olecranon Process | Movement Arm: Olecranon process to styloid process of ulna | Stability Arm: Vertical or horizontal | |
Restrictions | |||
| Muscle | Joint | Fascia | Nerve |
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For techniques that may improve shoulder external rotation:
* Structures marked with an asterisk are not "true" restrictors of shoulder external rotation, but adaptive shortening and over-activity may alter glenohumeral (GH) arthrokinematics and impede end range shoulder external rotation. |
Shoulder Internal Rotation (1-2, 9-17, 19-21)
Shoulder Internal Rotation | Firm End Feel | 60 - 70° PROM | |
| Fulcrum: Olecranon Process | Movement Arm: Olecranon process to styloid process of ulna | Stability Arm: Vertical or horizontal | |
Restrictions | |||
| Muscle | Joint | Fascia | Nerve |
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| For techniques that may improve |