Scapular Assistance Test helps assess impingement and RTC strength.

• A. AC joint pathology
• B. Impingement and RTC strength
• C. Labral tear
• D. Biceps Tendon Pathology

Answer: (B)

The test centers on how scapular motion influences impingement and rotator cuff function during shoulder elevation. When the examiner cups under the inferior angle of the scapula and assists upward rotation and posterior tilting while the patient lifts the arm, a reduction in pain or improvement in strength suggests that abnormal scapular mechanics are contributing to subacromial impingement. In other words, realigning the scapula during elevation can open the subacromial space and lessen impingement symptoms, indicating that the rotator cuff is functioning and that scapular dyskinesis is a contributing factor.

If there’s little or no change with the scapular assistance, impingement may be more related to intrinsic rotator cuff pathology or other intra-articular problems rather than scapular motion. This test is not designed to diagnose acromioclavicular joint pathology, labral tears, or biceps tendon pathology, which require separate tests.