Movement Screens (FMS): Shoulder Mobility

Purpose: The shoulder mobility movement pattern demonstrates the synergy between  scapular-thoracic region, spine, and rib cage. This screen evaluates bilateral shoulder range of motion; combining flexion, external rotation and abduction of the performing shoulder and extension, internal rotation and adduction in the other.

Equipment: Screening Kit

Procedure: (Note:  Perform the Impingement Clearing Test before proceeding.)  

• Impingement Clearing Test:  Instruct the client to place their palm on their opposite shoulder and lift the elbow as high as possible. 
• Determine the client’s hand length by measuring the distance from the bottom of the wrist to the tip of the longest finger. 
• Instruct him/her to stand with their feet together and make a fist with both hands.
• Instruct the client to reach one fist behind their head and the other behind their back, with the goal of touching both fists together. 
• Measure the distance between the two closest points of the client's fists to determine reach.
• Perform test on each side 3 times and record best score. 

Scoring:

0.  Pain is associated while performing the movement

1.  Fists are not within one and half hand lengths

2.  Fists are within one-and-a-half hand lengths

3.  Fists are within one hand length