CHT Shoulder Diagnosis & Rehab 2025/2026 | 120+ Clinical Questions on Rotator Cuff, Labral Tears, SLAP Lesions, Instability, Subacromial Impingement & Post-op Rehab

This detailed study and review guide includes 120+ clinically relevant exam questions with 100% correct answers, structured to support preparation for the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Exam 2025/2026 with a dedicated focus on shoulder diagnosis, pathology, and rehabilitation protocols. Each question is aligned with real-world clinical patterns and physical therapy treatment guidelines, ensuring learners gain both theoretical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills. Topics covered in depth include: Rotator cuff pathology and rehab phases (tendinopathy, tears, repair protocols, progression timelines) SLAP lesions: types, symptoms, causes, special tests (O’Brien’s, Crank, Biceps Load, etc.), and conservative vs post-op rehab Shoulder instability patterns: anterior, posterior, multidirectional, with associated injuries like Bankart, Hill-Sachs, and axillary nerve injury Labral tears and diagnostic signs: clicking, catching, deep shoulder pain, positive load & shift tests Adhesive capsulitis: clinical stages (freezing, frozen, thawing), capsular patterns, and common patient profile Scapular dysfunction: SICK scapula, scapular assistance and lateral slide tests, force couple imbalances, and corrective muscle re-education Subacromial impingement: diagnostic triad (painful arc, weakness, positive impingement signs), involved anatomy, and special tests Post-surgical precautions for rotator cuff repair, Bankart repair, total and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty Cyriax resisted testing and interpretations (strong/painful, weak/painless, etc.) Double cross syndrome, tight posterior capsule, scapular dyskinesis, and common overuse patterns This document is essential for: Occupational and physical therapy students preparing for the CHT exam Orthopedic and sports rehabilitation therapists Hand therapy professionals specializing in upper quadrant rehab Educators and students in musculoskeletal diagnosis, kinesiology, and neuroorthopedic treatment With rich clinical detail, orthopedic precision, and evidence-based guidelines, this is a must-have tool for exam success and real-world practice readiness. Keywords: CHT shoulder exam prep, rotator cuff rehab, SLAP lesion tests, shoulder instability signs, Bankart repair protocol, scapular dyskinesis, subacromial impingement, Cyriax muscle testing, adhesive capsulitis stages, shoulder arthroplasty precautions, labral tear diagnosis, SICK scapula, overhead athlete injuries, post-op shoulder rehab