In brief: This article outlines a systematic and comprehensive examination that can be modified to fit the signs and symptoms of the individual athlete with traumatic or spontaneous shoulder pain. The procedures are clearly illustrated and include the subjective examination, medical history, objective examination, palpation, neurological evaluation, movement and other specific tests, and Cybex isokinetic dynamometer testing. By following the procedures in the order indicated, it should be possible to identify the involved anatomical structures, determine the nature and severity of the injury, and use the information to evaluate the athlete's progress.