What should a physical therapist do after obtaining a negative result from a load and shift test to assess inferior shoulder laxity?

What should a physical therapist do after obtaining a negative result from a load and shift test to assess inferior shoulder laxity?

• A. Perform a drop arm test
• B. Consider MRI referral
• C. Perform a hyper-abduction test
• D. Continue with standard rehabilitation

Answer: (C)

In the context of a physical therapist assessing inferior shoulder laxity, obtaining a negative result from a load and shift test indicates that there is not excessive laxity present at that moment. This can help guide the physical therapist in determining the next steps in the examination or treatment process. Performing a hyper-abduction test following a negative load and shift test is a logical next step for evaluating shoulder stability and function comprehensively. This test can provide additional information about the dynamic stability of the shoulder, particularly assessing the ability of the shoulder joint to withstand forces when elevated and moved through different ranges of motion. It can help identify subtle issues that might not be evident in the load and shift assessment alone, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the shoulder's integrity and stability. In comparison, pursuing an MRI referral or other tests may be unnecessary at this stage, especially when there are no significant findings from the initial test indicating an acute issue. Similarly, while a drop arm test assesses rotator cuff function, it may not directly correlate with the assessment of inferior shoulder laxity. Continuing with standard rehabilitation might also overlook the need for further assessment to rule out other underlying issues related to shoulder stability.

In the context of a physical therapist assessing inferior shoulder laxity, obtaining a negative result from a load and shift test indicates that there is not excessive laxity present at that moment. This can help guide the physical therapist in determining the next steps in the examination or treatment process.

Performing a hyper-abduction test following a negative load and shift test is a logical next step for evaluating shoulder stability and function comprehensively. This test can provide additional information about the dynamic stability of the shoulder, particularly assessing the ability of the shoulder joint to withstand forces when elevated and moved through different ranges of motion. It can help identify subtle issues that might not be evident in the load and shift assessment alone, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the shoulder's integrity and stability.

In comparison, pursuing an MRI referral or other tests may be unnecessary at this stage, especially when there are no significant findings from the initial test indicating an acute issue. Similarly, while a drop arm test assesses rotator cuff function, it may not directly correlate with the assessment of inferior shoulder laxity. Continuing with standard rehabilitation might also overlook the need for further assessment to rule out other underlying issues related to shoulder stability.