Situation: Patient is unable to stand or sit erect but your reason for exam is to evaluate the hemothorax in the right lung following traumatic fall. Which position would be best to evaluate this condition?

A 66-year-old patient is 7 weeks post-operative following a total shoulder arthroplasty. The patient has recently progressed to active range of motion and demonstrates shoulder flexion to 110 degrees in the scapular plane without pain. During treatment, the patient is performing active-assisted flexion with a cane in supine and demonstrates good control without compensation. The PTA notes improved scapulohumeral rhythm and minimal upper trapezius substitution.  Which of the following is the most appropriate next progression?

A frozen shoulder patient is being seen in therapy.  The patient tells the PTA that their pain is beginning to somewhat decrease even though ER ROM is only 30 degrees.  The PTA suspects the patient is in the ________ phase.

A 21-year-old collegiate baseball pitcher presents to outpatient physical therapy with complaints of decreased throwing velocity and posterior shoulder tightness. Examination reveals a loss of 20° of internal rotation compared to the contralateral side, with total arc of motion preserved. Scapular assessment demonstrates mild anterior tilting and decreased upward rotation during elevation.  The supervising PT has identified GIRD and initiated a plan of care focused on restoring motion and improving shoulder mechanics.  Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate for the PTA to prioritize during the early phase of treatment?

A patient is 6 weeks post TSA. During a follow-up visit, the patient reports increasing pain and decreased shoulder motion compared to previous sessions. Which of the following complications should the physical therapist assistant suspect and report to the supervising physical therapist?

A patient is positioned supine during early-phase rehabilitation following shoulder surgery. The PTA places a small towel roll under the distal humerus to slightly elevate the elbow away from the treatment table. During passive external rotation, the PTA ensures the humerus remains supported in this position.  What is the primary rationale for using the towel roll in this position?

A patient is 6 weeks post-op from a Type II SLAP repair. The PTA plans to begin strengthening.  Which of the following exercises is most appropriate at this stage?

A 19-year-old overhead athlete is undergoing rehabilitation for shoulder dysfunction. During treatment, the PTA observes that the patient demonstrates poor control of scapular upward rotation during elevation, despite adequate strength of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers in isolated testing. Further assessment reveals decreased trunk stability and poor control during lower extremity loading tasks.  Which of the following best explains the importance of incorporating core and lower extremity strengthening into this patient’s rehabilitation program?

A 60-year-old patient presents with shoulder pain and limited function. Examination reveals a painful arc during elevation, weakness of the rotator cuff, and excessive superior migration of the humeral head during active movement. The PTA is developing an intervention plan.  Which of the following is the most appropriate initial focus of treatment?

A PTA is treating a patient who is 2 weeks post‑operative from a rTSR. Based on typical post‑surgical precautions for this procedure, which of the following shoulder motions is contraindicated during early rehabilitation?