Examination
Generally be reluctant to diagnose a sprain. A minor sprain may be the diagnosis, but often there is something more significant to find.
Always examine the rotator cuff. If it is intact and there is no bony tenderness or neurological impairment, most will resolve.
Examination
This should take the form of the following traditional sequence:
- Look for deformity, swelling, congestion, etc
- Feel for site and nature of tenderness (e.g. bony, diffuse, subacromial space). Check for sensory loss
- Move passively, then look for the active range of movement. Bear in mind the myotomes if there appears to be any motor loss. Next assess the rotator cuff, testing for active resisted movements
- Image: choose the best form of imaging