A 25-year-old patient presents with decreased mobility and right shoulder pain after extensive house painting with no trauma. What is the next step to aid in diagnosis?

Palpating the structures around the shoulder provides valuable diagnostic information and is a logical next step in assessing the cause of the patient's symptoms. This physical examination technique allows the clinician to identify areas of tenderness, swelling, and potential localized sources of pain. By palpating the shoulder, the clinician can gather information about musculoskeletal issues such as rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, or tendinopathy, which are common in patients who engage in repetitive overhead activities, such as house painting.

While imaging options like X-rays and MRIs can certainly aid in diagnosis, they are typically utilized when there is a clear suspicion of a structural abnormality or when the initial assessment does not lead to a clear diagnosis. EMG is mainly indicated for evaluating nerve function and is not the first consideration in this scenario.

Moving forward with palpation can help determine whether further imaging is necessary based on the findings, ensuring a more targeted and efficient approach to diagnosis.