Scapular Retraction Test (SRT) | Scapular Dyskinesis

The Scapular Retraction Test (SRT) is not so much a diagnostic test to assess whether a patient displays scapular dyskinesia, but rather a symptom modification test to examine if scapular stabilization in form of scapular retraction is able to reduce a patient’s shoulder complaint.

To perform the SRT fixate the clavicle and the spine of the scapula with your hand and with the forearm of the same hand press the scapula of your patient against the chest wall. With the fixation of the clavicle and scapula perform the empty can test.

The SRT test is positive if the patient experiences less pain during the assisted empty can in comparison with the unassisted empty can, which can indicate weakness of the scapular stabilizers. As a consequence, you might want to include scapular stabilization exercises in the rehab program for this particular patient.

21 OF THE MOST USEFUL ORTHOPAEDIC TESTS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

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Another similar test that you might be interested in, is the Scapular Assistance Test (SAT).

Kibler WB, Sciascia A, Dome D. Evaluation of apparent and absolute supraspinatus strength in patients with shoulder injury using the scapular retraction test. The American journal of sports medicine. 2006 Oct;34(10):1643-7.