Shoulder Special Test Flashcards
Purpose is testing anterior shoulder dislocation, the integrity of glenohumeral joint capsule or to asses glenohumeral instability in an anterior direction.
Therapist slowly applies an external rotation force to arm to 90 degrees while monitoring pt.
A positive test is result of facial grimace prior to reaching end point.
Apprehension Test for Anterior Shoulder “Dislocation”
Purpose is testing for dislocation or posterior instability of the humerus.
Therapist stabilizes scapula, applying force posterior on pt. elbow while horizontally and internally rotating the arm.
A positive sign is a look of apprehension or facial grimace.
Apprehension Test for Posterior Shoulder “Dislocation”
Purpose is checking ability of transverse humeral ligament to hold biceps tendon in bicipital groove.
Pts. elbow is flexed to 90 degrees and forearm is in pronated position with arm at side. Pt. instructed to supinate and externally rotate arm against manual resistance.
Positive sign is if pain at bicipital groove is reproduced,
Yergasons Test “Biceps Tendon Pathology”
Purpose is looking for biceps muscle or tendon pathology, superior laberal tears and bicipital tendonitis.
Pts. arm is flexed forward to 90 degrees either supinated or pronated. Manual resistance is applied in a downward direction.
Positive sign is if pain in bicipital tendon or groove is reproduced.
Speeds Test “Biceps Tendon Pathology
Purpose is to test for supraspinatus tears.
Pt. shoulder abducted to 90 degrees, therapist releases arm and tells pt. to lower slowly.
Positive sign is if pt is unable to lower in a smooth controlled fashion.
Drop Arm Test “Rotator Cuff Pathology/Impingement”
Purpose is to look for supraspinatus tendon impingement.
Pt. shoulder is 90 degrees of flexion with elbow flexed to 90 degrees and internally rotates arm.
Positive if pt. experiences pain with internal rotation.
Hawkins Kennedy Impingement Test “Rotator Cuff Pathology/Impingement”
Purpose is to assesses for infraspinatus strain
Pt. stands with their elbow flexed to 90 degrees and the shoulder in 45 degrees of medial rotation. The pt. ten resist as the therapist applies a medially directed force to the forearm.
Positive if pain or the inability to resist medial rotation indicates a positive test for an infraspinatus strain.
Infraspinatus Test “Rotator Cuff Pathology/Impingement”
Purpose is commonly used to identify possible subacromial impingement syndrome.
Pt. seated or standing. The therapist should stabilize the patient’s scapula with one hand, while passively flexing the arm while it is internally rotated.
Positive if pt experiences pain or facial grimace which may be indicative of shoulder impingement involving the supraspinatus tendon.
Neer Impingement Test “Rotator Cuff Pathology/Impingement”
Purpose is to assess for supraspinatus pathology.
Pt is positioned with arm in 90 degrees of abduction followed by 30 degrees of horizontal adduction with the thumb pointing downward. Therapist resist the pt. attempt to abduct the arm.
Positive is indicated by weakness or pain and may be indicative of a tear of the supraspinatus tendon, impingement or suprascapular nerve involvement.
Supraspinatus Test “Rotator Cuff Pathology/Impingement”
Purpose is a provocative test for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome accompanied by compression of the Subclavian artery by a cervical rib or tightened anterior and middle scalene muscles.
Pt. is positioned in seated or standing. Therapist monitors radial pulse and ask the pt. to rotate his/her head to face the test shoulder. Pt is then asked to extend his/her head while the therapist laterally rotates and extends the pts. shoulder.
Positive if absent or diminished radial pulse and may be indicative of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Adson Maneuver “Thoracic Outlet Syndrome”
Purpose is a first line standard test used to assess the arterial blood supply of the hand.
Pt. seated or standing with arm in 90 degrees of abduction, lateral rotation, and elbow flexion. Pt. asked to rotate head away from the test shoulder while therapist monitors radial pulse.
Positive test is indicative by diminished or absent pulse when the head is rotated away from test shoulder.
Allen Test “Thoracic Outlet Syndrome”
