Apley Scratch / Dawbarn’s Test | Shoulder ROM Assessment

Apley Scratch Test also known as Dawbarn’s Test is a quick and easy way to assess active range of motion in the shoulder.

When assessing a patient’s shoulder, the apply scratch test allows you to get quick information on your patient’s functional capacity as it combines the movements of medial rotation with extension & adduction; and lateral rotation with flexion & abduction. Those are typical movements seen in tasks like reaching for your back pocket or combing your hair. 

For the Apley scratch test the patient is going to try to bring the hands together on the back while one comes from above and one from below. 

The patient should repeat the movement with switched arms while you are going to check for differences. 

It is often seen that the dominant shoulder shows greater restriction than the non-dominant one. If you see a restriction, don’t be fooled that the problem necessarily lies in the glenohumeral joint as shoulder movements also include movements of the scapula & clavicle, and many shoulder problems are caused by insufficient scapular muscle control.

Other wiki pages that you might be interested in:

Shoulder Active Range of Motion Assessment

Shoulder Passive Range of Motion Assessment

Painful Arc sign

No literature resources known that have evaluated this test regarding its reliability or validity