Principles of MSK physical examination. No matter what peripheral joint is examined, knowledge of an approach to examination will allow one to do in the majority of cases, an adequate assessment. Skilled examination requires more intimate knowledge of anatomy, structure, physiology, pathology and function. One basic approach to the physical exam of a peripheral joint includes: subjective history; objective inspection, palpation, active movement, passive movement, strength or musculotendinous complex testing, stability testing and specialty tests.