Illinois Physical Therapy Hybrid Ebook

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Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder Complex: Summary

Restrictions anywhere within the anterior and posterior functional lines can result in dysfunction anywhere along the lines. Innervation within the shoulder complex include the axillary nerve (coming off the brachial plexus) and the musculocutaneous nerve.

Image B: Posterior Functional Line

Nerves of the Shoulder Complex Nerve

Innervation/Function

• Teres minor • Deltoid

Axillary nerve (posterior neurovascular bundle)

• Coracobrachialis • Biceps brachii • Brachialis • Sensory input to anterior humerus

Musculocutanous nerve (part of the anterior neurovascular bundle)

• Supraspinatus • Infraspinatus

Suprascapular (posterior neurovascular bundle)

• Subscapularis for motor function, as it is the primary shoulder IR

Subscapularis

• Forearm

Median (part of the anterior neurovascular bundle)

Ulnar (part of the anterior neurovascular bundle) • Forearm

• Posterior aspect of the arm includes triceps brachii (attach scapula and perform shoulder extension) History and Medical Red Flags Pain changing with movement typically indicates musculoskeletal pain. If any red flag is identified, you should refer the patient to their primary care provider before initiating physical therapy.

Radial (posterior neurovascular bundle)

Compression of part of the anterior neurovascular bundle can be caused by tightness of the pectoralis minor and major, as well as biceps brachii. Compression of part of posterior neurovascular bundle can be caused by tightness of the teres major, teres minor, and triceps brachii.

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