What range of motion is typically associated with subacromial pain during a Painful Arc?

The Painful Arc phenomenon is a clinical finding commonly observed in patients with shoulder pathologies, especially those involving structures beneath the acromion, such as rotator cuff disorders. This specific range of motion is characterized by pain occurring during the elevation of the arm, particularly when the arm is brought to shoulder height.

The typical range of motion associated with subacromial pain during the Painful Arc is from 60 to 120 degrees of shoulder abduction. Within this range, the subacromial space narrows, leading to increased friction and potential irritation of the rotator cuff tendons or the subacromial bursa. Patients often report that they experience pain as they move through this arc, which usually resolves as the arm continues to be raised beyond 120 degrees, indicating that the structures causing pain are likely no longer being impinged upon.

Understanding this association allows healthcare professionals to better assess and diagnose shoulder conditions, guiding appropriate interventions and treatment strategies for patients experiencing shoulder pain.