College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

At what range of motion would a patient typically experience subacromial pain during a Painful Arc test?

1. 0-60 degrees

2. 60-120 degrees

3. 120-180 degrees

4. 180-240 degrees

The correct answer is: 60-120 degrees

During the Painful Arc test, a patient typically experiences subacromial pain when the arm is elevated between approximately 60 to 120 degrees. This range corresponds with the area where structures such as the rotator cuff tendons can become impinged by the acromion during shoulder movement. When the arm is raised within this 60 to 120-degree range, the space between the acromion and the humeral head narrows, potentially leading to pain if there is irritation or inflammation in the subacromial bursa or rotator cuff tendons. The increased pressure in this specific range often leads to a recognizable pattern of pain, making it a critical diagnostic tool for identifying subacromial impingement syndrome. In contrast, at lower angles (0-60 degrees), the mechanics of shoulder movement typically do not allow for such impingement to occur. Beyond 120 degrees, the arm is raised into a position where other muscles and structures take over the movement, reducing the likelihood of pain related to subacromial issues. Thus, the correct answer reflects the most common range where subacromial pain is noticed during this assessment.