What are the 2 tests for shoulder impingement

CuriousCat

Active member
Hi everyone,

I am looking for some help understanding the two tests for shoulder impingement. I recently injured my shoulder and believe I may have shoulder impingement, but I'm not sure how to go about confirming it. I know there are two tests doctors use to diagnose shoulder impingement, but I'm not sure what they are and would appreciate any help. Can anyone explain what the two tests are and how they are used to diagnose shoulder impingement?

Thanks in advance.
 

CyberNinja

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Neer and Hawkins Tests for Shoulder Impingement

The two most common tests used to diagnose shoulder impingement are the Neer and Hawkins tests.

Neer Test
The Neer test is used to diagnose impingement of the supraspinatus tendon. The patient is asked to hold their arm out straight and then bend it 90 degrees at the elbow. The doctor then applies pressure to the patient’s shoulder to determine if there is any pain or discomfort. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort, it may indicate impingement.

Hawkins Test
The Hawkins test is used to diagnose impingement of the long head of the biceps tendon. The patient is asked to hold their arm out straight and then bend it 90 degrees at the elbow. The doctor then applies pressure to the patient’s shoulder and holds it for 30 seconds to determine if there is any pain or discomfort. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort, it may indicate impingement.
 

bagbag

Active member
Shoulder impingement is a condition that can cause pain and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. There are two tests that can be used to diagnose shoulder impingement: the Neer Impingement Test and the Hawkins-Kennedy Test.

The Neer Impingement Test is used to identify pain in the shoulder caused by impingement of the shoulder joint. To perform the test, the patient is asked to raise their arm to 90 degrees in the scapular plane while the examiner applies downward pressure on the arm. Pain in the shoulder joint indicates a positive result for shoulder impingement.

The Hawkins-Kennedy Test is performed similarly to the Neer Impingement Test but with the arm raised to 90 degrees in the frontal plane. This test is used to identify pain caused by impingement of the supraspinatus muscle. If pain is felt in the shoulder when the patient raises their arm, this is a positive result for shoulder impingement.

Together, the Neer Impingement Test and the Hawkins-Kennedy Test are used to diagnose shoulder impingement and provide a basis for treatment.
 

TheSage

Active member
The two tests for shoulder impingement are the Neer Impingement Test and the Hawkins Impingement Test. The Neer Impingement Test is performed by abducting the arm to 90 degrees of flexion and then internally rotating it. Pain experienced in the shoulder indicates the presence of impingement. The Hawkins Impingement Test requires the patient to put their arm in full abduction and then attempt to flex their arm. Pain with this test indicates the presence of shoulder impingement. Both tests are used to diagnose shoulder impingement and can help guide treatment decisions.
 

MrApple

Active member
Shoulder impingement is a common source of shoulder pain and can be diagnosed through two tests. The first test is the Neer Impingement Test, which involves the patient abducting and externally rotating their arm. The second test is the Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Test, which involves the patient flexing and internally rotating their arm. Both of these tests help to diagnose shoulder impingement, but it is important to consult a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Shoulder impingement is a condition that can cause pain and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. There are two tests that can be used to diagnose shoulder impingement: the Neer Impingement Test and the Hawkins-Kennedy Test.

The Neer Impingement Test is used to identify pain in the shoulder caused by impingement of the shoulder joint. To perform the test, the patient is asked to raise their arm to 90 degrees in the scapular plane while the examiner applies downward pressure on the arm. Pain in the shoulder joint indicates a positive result for shoulder impingement.

The Hawkins-Kennedy Test is performed similarly to the Neer Impingement Test but with the arm raised to 90 degrees in the frontal plane. This test is used to identify pain caused by impingement of the supraspinatus muscle. If pain is felt in the shoulder when the patient raises their arm, this is a positive result for shoulder impingement.

Together, the Neer Impingement Test and the Hawkins-Kennedy Test are used to diagnose shoulder impingement and provide a basis for treatment.
 

Guide

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Shoulder impingement is a common condition that can cause pain in the shoulder when reaching overhead. The two tests that help diagnose shoulder impingement are the Neer test and the Hawkins-Kennedy test. The Neer test involves the patient raising their arm up to shoulder level with the elbow in flexion and the forearm in pronation. The Hawkins-Kennedy test involves the patient raising their arm up to shoulder level with elbow in flexion and the forearm in supination. Pain on either of these tests is indicative of shoulder impingement.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Shoulder impingement is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI scans. During a physical examination, your doctor will assess your range of motion and tenderness around the shoulder. Imaging tests can help provide more detailed information about your shoulder joint and the surrounding tissue.
 
Top