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
Subscapularis Pectoralis Major Latissimus Dorsi Teres Major *Posterior Deltoid	Glenohumeral Lig. Coracohumeral Lig Inferior Capsule *Posterior Capsule	Clavipectoral Fascia Pectoral Fascia	Brachial Plexus (Slight bias toward Median Nerve?)
Pectoralis Minor Levator Scapulae	SC Joint Stiffness AC Joint Stiffness
For techniques that may improve shoulder external rotation: Shoulder Internal Rotator and Posterior Deltoid: Release and Lengthening Scapular Muscles: Release and Lengthening Self-administered Shoulder Mobilization * Structures marked with an asterisk are not "true" See Glossary Terms Back to course home Would you like full access to all articles? Sign Up OR Login Comments There are no comments. See Glossary Terms Back to course home Related Articles Overhead Squat Assessment: Introduction Special Tests: Lower Body Neurodynamic Tests Manual Muscle Testing: Introduction Goniometry: Upper Body Special Tests: Rotator Cuff Pathology Special Tests: Cervical Radiculopathy, Cervicogenic Headache, and Canadian C-spine Rules Muscle Length Tests Special Tests: Shoulder Impingement Goniometry: Introduction Special Tests: Ankle Joint Special Tests: Hip Joint Courses, CECs & Certification Become a Member Any Questions, Concerns or Recommendations? Please contact us through the  Support Page Legal Privacy PolicyTerms of Service Social