Types of Body Movements: Shoulder Adduction
Table of Contents
What Is Shoulder Adduction
Shoulder Adduction is when the arm is moving towards the middle of the body. Shoulder Adduction is the opposite of Shoulder Abduction. An easy way to remember the difference between Shoulder Adduction and Shoulder Abduction is that in Shoulder Adduction, you are adding in the arm to the body (bringing the arm towards the body).
Shoulder Horizontal Adduction
Shoulder Horizontal Adduction begins with the arm extended straight out in front of the body. The hand will be in line with the shoulder. Keeping the hand and arm at shoulder height, bring the arm towards the middle of the body. This movement is called Shoulder Horizontal Adduction.
Shoulder Adduction Muscles
There are many muscles that are involved in the Adduction of the Shoulder. The Shoulder Adduction Muscles include,
Adduction of Shoulder
An example of Adduction of the Shoulder is if you were to hug yourself. In this example, your arms are coming closer to the middle of the body, which means that you are performing Adduction of the Shoulders.
Prime Mover for Shoulder Flexion and Adduction
The prime mover for Shoulder Flexion and Adduction is the Pectoralis Major.
Shoulder Adduction Exercises
Some examples of Shoulder Adduction exercises include,
Shoulder Adduction
Horizontal Adduction Shoulder
As previously mentioned, Horizontal Adduction Shoulder is when the arm moves horizontally towards the middle of the body.
Shoulder Pain with Adduction and Internal Rotation
If you are experiencing Shoulder Pain with Adduction and Internal Rotation, you may have Subacromial Impingement or Rotator Cuff Tendonitis. You doctor will be able to administer the appropriate test depending on your symptoms to reach a diagnosis.
The Apley Scratch Test will test the range of motion of the shoulder during adduction and external rotation. Have the patient sit upright and place the arm behind the back with their palm facing outwards. They will be aiming the place the back of the palm against the opposite scapula.
Shoulder Adduction Pain
If you are experiencing pain with Shoulder Adduction, you could have dysfunction of the Acromioclavicular Joint. The Cross-Arm Test is a specific test that your doctor can perform to see if you have a positive result, and then provide you with an appropriate treatment plan.
Shoulder Adduction ROM
Normal Shoulder Adduction Range of Motion is generally between 30-50 degrees in a healthy shoulder.
Shoulder Adduction Test
The Cross-Arm Test is a Shoulder Adduction Test that can determine if there is dysfunction in the Acromioclavicular Joint. Have the patient raise the affected arm to 90 degrees in front of the body. Then have them adduct the arm across the body. If there is pain, this means it is a positive test.
Shoulder Adduction Stretch
The Shoulder Adduction Stretch is a simple movement that will help to stretch the muscles in the shoulder. Simply raise the arm to 90 degrees of flexion, and then adduct the arm across the body. You may use the free arm to pull the elbow of the active arm closer to the torso to increase the intensity of the stretch.
Shoulder Adduction Range of Motion
Normal range of motion for Shoulder Adduction is generally 30-50 degrees. This range will vary from person to person depending on their muscular build and limb length.
