Shoulder Evaluation and Management for the Primary Care Physician

In today’s clinical environment many patients seek evaluation in the primary care office for shoulder pain. The shoulder is, however, a complex joint and as such represents a challenge to those who are less comfortable with shoulder anatomy or the complexity of the special test used in the diagnosis of shoulder injury. With the time constraints we face daily due to ever shrinking appointment times the skills needed for a good musculoskeletal (MSK) exam such as the shoulder become lost with a quick, and sometimes unnecessary, referral to orthopedics. With a little refresher, however, we can more confidently make the diagnosis and provide better quality care for our patients.

Following the completion of this lecture, the participant will be able to:

• Demonstrate and record the findings of examination of the shoulder, including:

• Know how to inspect the shoulder for changes, including edema, erythema, abrasions, and contusions
• Implement special tests for the shoulder
• Understand how to properly set up and demonstrate appropriate osteopathic treatment for somatic dysfunctions of the shoulder, including:
  • Spencer technique for GH joint
  • Indirect (and direct) treatments for the GH joint
• ​​​​​​​Interpret the findings of a shoulder exam.