If the client has shoulder pain at 140° of shoulder flexion, at which angle should he hold his arm during the scapular activation drill?

Holding the arm just short of 140 degrees, without pain, is the most appropriate choice for the scapular activation drill. This approach allows the client to engage in the exercise while avoiding discomfort that occurs at the specific angle where they experience pain.

By positioning the arm slightly below the painful range, the client can still perform the drill effectively while maintaining proper form and reducing the risk of exacerbating the pain. The aim is to activate and stabilize the scapula and surrounding musculature without triggering the pain response, thus promoting functional movement patterns and aiding in recovery.

Selecting an angle at shoulder level or 90 degrees might not address the pain threshold effectively, and extending the arm fully to 180 degrees could worsen the pain. Therefore, positioning the arm just short of the painful angle is essential for safe and effective corrective exercise.