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Arm position

Contents

HEIGHT LEVEL BETWEEN THE ELBOWS

Notice any difference in the heights between the elbows. Difference in height may be due to:

Elevated shoulder

Depressed shoulder

Lateral flexion of trunk

ROTATION OF SHOULDER

Observe the position of the medial and lateral condyle of the elbow. If the medial condyle is rotated towards the back then the shoulders are internally rotated, if they are rotated towards the front then the shoulders are rotated laterally

Internally rotated shoulders (medial condyle towards the back)

Externally rotated shoulders (medial condyle towards the front)

HAND POSITION

Observe the position of the patient's palms, and notice how much the palm rotates towards the posterior side. Patterns which may be involved

Internally rotated shoulders (palms towards the back)

Externally rotated shoulders (medial condyle towards the front)

Pronation of the forearms (palms towards the back)

Supination of the forearms (palms towards the front)

POSITION OF THE UPPER ARM

Notice the distance between the upper arm/elbow and the body, if there is more or less space between the arm and trunk on one side, then the following patterns could be involved:

Abduction of arm (more space between arm and trunk)

If the problem is thought to be caused by the side which has more space, then it might be due to the following muscles:

Lateral flexion of trunk (more space between arm and trunk)