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

What type of shoulder movement is likely to reproduce symptoms in the case of chronic snapping at the front of the shoulder?

1. Internal Rotation

2. External Rotation

3. Scapular Retraction

4. Scapular Protraction

The correct answer is: Internal Rotation

The movement most likely to reproduce symptoms in chronic snapping at the front of the shoulder is internal rotation. This is primarily because the internal rotators, including muscles such as the subscapularis, are located on the anterior aspect of the shoulder. When performing internal rotation, there is an increased demand on these structures, particularly in cases where there may be impingement, tendinopathy, or instability present. Chronic snapping can occur due to various reasons including anatomical variations, tendon subluxation, or structural issues within the shoulder joint. When the arm is internally rotated, it can exacerbate the friction or contact between structures such as the tendons and the surrounding tissues or bony structures, leading to the reproduction of symptoms. Understanding the mechanics of shoulder movements is crucial for identifying interventions and management strategies that can alleviate the symptoms associated with chronic snapping. It is noteworthy that this is often a common clinical scenario seen in massage therapy and rehabilitation practice.