AccessPT Channel, Weekly Physical Therapy Conundrum

Solution to Chronic right shoulder pain and crepitus

The correct answer is 2 - impingement syndrome involving the supraspinatus.

The findings that indicate this diagnosis are a positive impingement sign and pain with resisted external rotation and abduction combined with pain with passive internal rotation when the shoulder is elevated to 80°.

Bicipital tendinopathy is unlikely due to the previously mentioned findings and the negative Speed test.

Typical symptoms of a SLAP tear include pain when moving the shoulder, a sensation of locking, popping, or catching, decreased shoulder strength and flexibility, and a feeling of instability.

Given the other findings and a negative Adson maneuver, a thoracic outlet syndrome is unlikely.