Apley’s scratch test – What is the purpose, indication and relevance?

Apley’s Scratch Test: Client is standing and attempts to touch their hands together behind their back by placing one hand over the shoulder (lateral rotation with abduction) and the other hand under the shoulder (medial rotation with adduction)

Purpose:

• Assess for glenohumeral joint pathology

Indications:

• Adhesive capsulitis
• Decrease range or motion in shoulder

Relevance:

• Positive test – inability to touch hands together (decreased range of motion in glenohumeral joining) is indicative of glenohumeral joint pathology

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This post was written by Omar Rifai