Rowe test for the shoulder :
- This test is apply in the clinic by therapist or doctor to check the instability of shoulder .
- It is apply when the patient complain of shoulder pain around shoulder area & not present of any bone related problem.
- It is do the starting phase of treatment means in assessment part .
What is purpose of Rowe test ?
- It is used to check the multi directional instability of the shoulder .
- It is also check the anterior , posterior & inferior instability of the shoulder
How do you perform to Rowe test ?
- Position of the patient for test is standing .
- Into standing position do the forward flexed up to 45 degree.
- Wrist with arm is relaxed & pointed at to floor .
- Examiner places one hand over the anterior accept of the humeral head &the thumb sit over the anterior accept of to humeral heads .
- This position is same for the check the all instability means inferior , anterior &posterior instability .
For the anterior instability :-
- Do the starting position of test .
- Then examiner is pushed to humeral head anteriorly with the help of thumb & the arm is extended 20 ‘ to 30’ form to vertical position .
For the posterior instability :-
- Do the starting position of test .
- Then examiner is pushed to humeral head posterior with the help of thumb & the arm is flexed 20 ‘ to 30 ‘ form to vertical position .
For the inferior instability :-
- Do the starting position of test .
- Then examiner is pulled the arm down slightly .
- If in inferior instability give to more traction is applied to the arm & the sulcus sign is evident .
Result of the Rowe test :
- If the patient feel to pain below instability is present into shoulder of patient .
Situation | Indicate to stability |
Anterior push | Anterior shoulder |
Posterior push | Posterior shoulder |
Pulling of arm | Inferior shoulder |
Summery of this test :
Force | Movement of shoulder | Instability |
Anterior | 20′ to 30′ of extension | Anterior |
Posterior | 20′ to 30′ of flexion | Posterior |
Inferior | Pull the arm | Inferior |