Kibler et al. tested whether supraspinatus weakness on the empty-can test in shoulder-injured patients reflects true muscle pathology or is an artifact of abnormal scapular position — using a handheld dynamometer in 20 injured patients and 10 controls, comparing strength with and without manual scapular stabilization in retraction (the scapular retraction test).
When you find supraspinatus weakness on the empty-can test, perform the SRT: if strength improves with scapular stabilization, the deficit is apparent (kinetic chain/scapular origin problem) — start rehab with core and scapular stabilization, not isolated rotator cuff exercises.
If strength does not improve, the weakness is absolute. Investigate the rotator cuff itself.
Kibler et al. tested whether supraspinatus weakness on the empty-can test in shoulder-injured patients reflects true muscle pathology or is an artifact of abnormal scapular position — using a handheld dynamometer in 20 injured patients and 10 controls, comparing strength with and without manual scapular stabilization in retraction (the scapular retraction test).
When you find supraspinatus weakness on the empty-can test, perform the SRT: if strength improves with scapular stabilization, the deficit is apparent (kinetic chain/scapular origin problem) — start rehab with core and scapular stabilization, not isolated rotator cuff exercises.
If strength does not improve, the weakness is absolute. Investigate the rotator cuff itself.