What is the ROM range for Shoulder External (Lateral) Rotation?

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Multiple Choice

What is the ROM range for Shoulder External (Lateral) Rotation?

Explanation:
Normal shoulder external rotation reaches about 0 to 90 degrees in the common clinical test position. This motion is the humerus rotating outward so the forearm moves away from the body. When measured with the arm set up in a functional position (often with the arm abducted to 90 degrees or with the elbow flexed appropriately), most healthy shoulders can rotate outward to around 90 degrees, making 0-90 degrees the typical normative range. Values like 0-60 or 0-70 degrees are narrower than what is usually expected in that testing position, while 0-120 degrees would exceed normal limits for a healthy joint. This range helps distinguish typical mobility from restrictions that could indicate capsular tightness or rotator cuff pathology.

Normal shoulder external rotation reaches about 0 to 90 degrees in the common clinical test position. This motion is the humerus rotating outward so the forearm moves away from the body. When measured with the arm set up in a functional position (often with the arm abducted to 90 degrees or with the elbow flexed appropriately), most healthy shoulders can rotate outward to around 90 degrees, making 0-90 degrees the typical normative range. Values like 0-60 or 0-70 degrees are narrower than what is usually expected in that testing position, while 0-120 degrees would exceed normal limits for a healthy joint. This range helps distinguish typical mobility from restrictions that could indicate capsular tightness or rotator cuff pathology.

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