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External rotation of the shoulder joint

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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With the arm at the patient's side and the elbow flexes at right-angles, externally rotate the upper arm. The forearm acts as a pointer, indicating the degree of rotation which is possible.

Pain or restriction during this movement most commonly is due to:

  • adhesive capsulitis
  • infraspinatus tendinitis

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