Exercises / Shoulder & scapula

Full can (scaption with external rotation)

Strength
Shoulder & scapula
Light dumbbell

Arm elevation in the scapular plane with the thumb up. Recruits supraspinatus as well as the empty can with less deltoid activity.

Also called scaption, thumbs-up scaption, full can exercise.

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Where you stand

No published distribution for this exercise yet. We add one only from a peer-reviewed study.

Muscles worked

Filled: primary. Outlined: secondary.

How much

Typical strength dose: 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions at a load that is hard by the last repetition, 2-3 days per week (ACSM novice guideline). Adjust to symptoms.

Start: Standing

Steps

Stand with the arm at the side and the thumb pointing forward/up.
Raise the arm about 30° forward of the frontal plane (scapular plane) to shoulder height.
Lower slowly.

Cues

Thumb up throughout
Stop at shoulder height if painful above
Keep the neck relaxed

Common mistakes

Internally rotating ("empty can")
Shrugging the shoulder to lift the arm

Used for

Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Supraspinatus strengthening
Subacromial pain (in tolerated range)

Evidence (2)

Full can, empty can and prone full can produced similar supraspinatus activity, but full can produced less deltoid activity; full can is recommended for rehabilitation and testing.1
Scaption with external rotation elicited serratus anterior activity above 20% MVC.2

Easier

Standing external rotation with band (0° abduction)

Harder

Prone arm raise overhead ("Y")

References (2)

Reinold MM, Macrina LC, Wilk KE, et al. J Athl Train. 2007;42(4):464-469. Electromyographic analysis of the supraspinatus and deltoid muscles during 3 common rehabilitation exercises
Decker MJ, Hintermeister RA, Faber KJ, Hawkins RJ. Am J Sports Med. 1999;27(6):784-791. Serratus anterior muscle activity during selected rehabilitation exercises