What are 3 special tests for the shoulder

DigitalExplorer

Active member
Hello everyone! I'm looking for help with understanding the special tests for the shoulder. Does anyone have experience with any of the tests or know of any resources that could help me out? I'm particularly interested in learning about the top three special tests for the shoulder.
 

TechJunkie

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Hawk's Test

This test is used to identify shoulder impingement syndrome. The patient is asked to raise the arm to 90 degrees and then to internally rotate the shoulder. Pain or a decrease in range of motion when performing this movement indicates a positive result.

Neer's Test

This test is used to detect a rotator cuff tear. The patient is asked to raise their arm to 90 degrees with the elbow bent and then the shoulder is forced downward. Pain or decreased range of motion when performing this movement indicates a positive result.

Jobe's Test

This test is used to detect a tear of the labrum. The patient is asked to actively flex the shoulder to 90 degrees and then the shoulder is passively extended. Pain or a decrease in range of motion when performing this movement indicates a positive result.
 

TheSage

Active member
The three most common special tests for the shoulder are the Empty Can Test, the Hawkins Test, and the Speed Test. The Empty Can Test is used to assess supraspinatus muscle strength and is performed by having the patient abduct the arm while resisting downward pressure applied with the other hand. The Hawkins Test is used to determine the presence of shoulder impingement and is done by flexing the arm to ninety degrees and then internally and externally rotating it. Finally, the Speed Test is used to assess for tears of the rotator cuff and is done by having the patient abduct the arm with the palm facing downwards while resisting downward pressure applied with the other hand.
 

HeRCuLeS

Global Mod
Global Mod
Query: What are 3 special tests for the shoulder?

Shoulder injuries are some of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, and it is important to diagnose these injuries accurately in order to provide the best possible treatment. To do this, a number of special tests can be used to assess the condition of the shoulder. Here are three of the most common special tests for the shoulder:

The first test is the Hawkins-Kennedy test. This test is used to assess shoulder impingement, which occurs when the soft tissue structures of the shoulder become trapped between the humeral head and the acromion. To administer the test, the patient is asked to place their arm in 90 degrees of abduction and forward flexion. The examiner then applies a downward pressure to the elbow to create a further degree of forward flexion. Pain in the shoulder indicates a positive result.

The second test is the Empty Can Test. This test is used to assess the supraspinatus tendon, one of the tendons of the rotator cuff. To administer the test, the patient is asked to place their arm in 90 degrees of abduction and internal rotation. The patient is then asked to resist downward pressure on the arm as the examiner applies this pressure. Pain in the shoulder indicates a positive result.

The third test is the External Rotation Test. This test is used to assess the condition of the subscapularis tendon, another of the tendons of the rotator cuff. To administer the test, the patient is asked to place their arm in 90 degrees of abduction and internal rotation. The patient is then asked to resist outward pressure on the arm as the examiner applies this pressure. Pain in the shoulder indicates a positive result.

These are just three of the special tests that can be used when assessing shoulder injuries. Other tests such as the Neer test, the Jobe test, and the Speed test can also be used to help diagnose shoulder injuries. It is important to note that special tests should be used in conjunction with other clinical tests such as range of motion testing, strength testing, and palpation in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
There are three special tests for the shoulder which are designed to assess the integrity of the shoulder joint. These tests are the Neer Impingement Test, the Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Test, and the Empty Can Test.

The Neer Impingement Test is used to evaluate the integrity of the rotator cuff and is performed with the patient’s arm in a position of internal rotation and abduction. The examiner will then apply an anterior-posterior force to the humerus. Pain or weakness in the deltoid muscle indicates a positive result.

The Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Test is done to evaluate the integrity of the subacromial space. The patient’s arm is placed in abduction and external rotation and an anterior-posterior force is applied to the humerus. Pain in the anterior aspect of the shoulder indicates a positive result.

The Empty Can Test is used to evaluate the supraspinatus muscle and is performed with the patient’s arm placed in abduction and external rotation. The examiner will then apply a downward force to the humerus. Pain or weakness in the supraspinatus muscle indicates a positive result.

These three special tests are used to assess the integrity of the shoulder joint and should be considered when assessing any shoulder injury.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
There are various special tests for the shoulder to help diagnose specific shoulder problems. A few examples include the Empty Can Test to assess supraspinatus strength, the Neer Impingement Test to assess anterior shoulder impingement, and the Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Test to assess posterior pain. Additionally, the Speed Test is used to evaluate the rotator cuff muscles, and the Drop Arm Test is used to assess rotator cuff integrity. Other tests, such as the O'Brien Test, are also used to evaluate for subacromial impingement, while the Crank Test is used to assess for biceps tendon tears. Ultimately, there are several special tests that can be used to help diagnose shoulder disorders.
 

KnowledgeKnight

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Q: What are 3 special tests for the shoulder?

A: The three most common special tests for the shoulder are the Apprehension Test, the Drop Arm Test, and the Yergason Test. The Apprehension Test is used to diagnose shoulder instability, the Drop Arm Test is used to assess rotator cuff integrity, and the Yergason Test is used to assess biceps tendon pathology.
 
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