Video 7 Apley scratch test

The test is a quick range-of-motion test that can provide information on pain and ejection difficulties. 

The patient attempts to touch the opposite scapula in two steps to test shoulder range of motion. 

1-During abduction and external rotation testing, the patient tries to touch the opposite scapula from above. 

2-During adduction and internal rotation testing, the patient tries to touch the opposite scapula from below. 

If not one or both attempts are unsuccessful, a more thorough examination of shoulder-shoulder girdle mobility may be necessary. 

In case of pain, further detailed examination of the shoulder joint is recommended (e.g. impingement, rotator cuff involvement). 

Modified Apley test: the previous test can be performed with both arms at the same time. In such cases, the vertical distance between the two arms can be measured by bringing the fingers closer to each other, which can be an objective measure of the improvement during the treatment. With normal shoulder mobility, the fingertips reach each other.