special tests - shoulder

Question 1

painful arc test

Answer 1

PURPOSE: assess for subacromial impingement of supraspinatus tendon & subacromial bursa

+: 60-120º

Question 2

Apley’s scratch test

Answer 2

PURPOSE: to assess combined movements of the shoulder

Question 3

adhesive capsulitis abduction test

Answer 3

PURPOSE: test for restricted motion at shoulder resulting from fibrosing & adhesions of axillary fold of inferior GH joint capsule

+: painful, leathery end feel, anywhere before 90º ABD

Question 4

rockwood test

Answer 4

PURPOSE: to test for anterior instability of shoulder

+: client shows marked aprehension with posterior pain at 90º - at 45º & 120º client shows some pain

Question 5

push-pull test

Answer 5

PURPOSE: to test for posterior instability at the shoulder

+: if more than 50% posterior translation occurs, client becomes apprehensive/ pain results

Question 6

Feagin test

Answer 6

PURPOSE: tests for inferior & multidirectional instability at shoulder

+: look of apprehension on clients face

Question 7

Hawkin’s Kennedy impingement test

Answer 7

PURPOSE: assess for overuse injury to supraspinatus (paratenonitis/ tendinosis) or secondary impingement

+: pain

Question 8

Neer impingement test

Answer 8

PURPOSE: assess for overuse injury to supraspinatus tendon

+: pain

Question 9

supraspinatus strength test (empty can)

Answer 9

PURPOSE: to test for supraspinatus tendon or mm tear, or neuropathy of suprascapular nerve

+: weakness/ pain indicates tear of supraspinatus tendon or mm, or neuropathy of suprascapular nerve

Question 10

infraspinatus strength test

Answer 10

PURPOSE: to assess infraspinatus mm for tendinitis, strain or weakness

+: pain/ weakness along infraspinatus

Question 11

subscapularis strength test

Answer 11

PURPOSE: to assess subscapularis mm for tendinitis, strain or weakness

+: pain along subscapularis or weakness

Question 12

abrasion sign

Answer 12

PURPOSE: to assess if rotator cuff tendons are frayed

+: if crepitus occurs

Question 13

lift off sign

Answer 13

PURPOSE: to assess for subscapularis lesion

+: inability to do so indicates lesion of subscapularis mm - abnormal motion in scapula during test may indicate scapular instability

Question 14

pec major contracture test

Answer 14

PURPOSE: to assess of there is a contracture of pec major

+: occurs if elbows to do not reach the table & indicates tight pec major mm

Question 15

acromioclavicular shear test

Answer 15

PURPOSE: assess integrity of AC joint

+: pain or excessive/ abnormal movement of joint, indicates pathology, including AC joint sprain

Question 16

drop arm (Codman’s) test

Answer 16

PURPOSE: assess integrity of rotator cuff, especially supraspinatus mm & tendon

+: if client is unable to return arm smoothly & slowly to side or if there is pain on attempt, indicating rotator cuff tear

Question 17

speed’s test

Answer 17

PURPOSE: to assess for biceps tendinitis

+: elicits increased tenderness in bicipital groove, especially with arm supinated & is indicative of bicipital paratendonitis or tendinosis

Question 18

Yergason’s test

Answer 18

PURPOSE: to check ability of transverse humeral ligament to hold biceps tendon in bicipital groove & assess stability of biceps tendon in groove/ presence of biceps tendinitis

+: pain & sensation of tendon popping out of groove / pain along course of tendon

Question 19

tendinitis differentiation test

Answer 19

PURPOSE: to assess for tendinitis anywhere in the body

+: indicated by pain at lesion site on tendon which increases with force of isometric contraction, may also be mm weakness

Question 20

bursitis differentiation test

Answer 20

PURPOSE: to assess for bursitis

+: indicated by pain at site of bursa that is constant, even if force of isometric contraction is increased