Final answer:
A firm end feel during shoulder external rotation is typical and occurs due to the tension in the joint capsule, ligaments, and muscles that limit the joint's range of motion. This end feel can vary between individuals and may be affected by health conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In assessing shoulder joint movements, such as external rotation, healthcare professionals tend to describe the quality of the motion's endpoint, or end feel. An end feel is the type of resistance that a clinician feels when bringing a subject's limb to the end of its passive range of motion. When performing a shoulder external rotation, the typical end feel is considered to be firm, caused by tension in the joint capsule and the surrounding ligaments and muscles. This firm sensation is due to the stretching of these soft tissues that limit the joint's range of motion.
It's important to note that an end feel can vary from one individual to another and might be affected by various factors such as injuries, muscular tightness, or joint pathologies. Determining whether a firm end feel during shoulder external rotation is normal or indicative of a problem requires a professional health assessment.