The Biceps Load II Test assesses whether resisted elbow flexion in an abducted and externally rotated shoulder position reproduces or increases shoulder pain that may be associated with the superior labrum and biceps anchor. A positive test may increase suspicion of SLAP or biceps-labral complex inv...
The drop arm test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess for full-thickness rotator cuff tears. It is performed by asking the patient to actively lift their arm to shoulder level, then slowly lower it back down to their side. If the patient is unable to smoothly lower their arm or experie...
The Arm Squeeze Test is a physical exam technique used to help differentiate between cervical nerve root compression and shoulder pathology. It is also known as Spurling's Test or the Cervical Compression Test. Here is a brief description of the test:
- Have the patient sit upright with their arms ...
The Apprehension Test assesses whether placing the shoulder into abduction and external rotation produces apprehension or a feeling of impending instability. A positive result is more meaningful when the client reports apprehension, slipping or fear of dislocation rather than pain alone. Current sho...
The Anterior Drawer Test of the Shoulder assesses anterior translation of the humeral head relative to the glenoid. A positive or meaningful finding depends on increased translation, lack of endpoint, apprehension or reproduction of familiar instability symptoms compared with the other side. A 2025 ...
The Belly Press Test assesses subscapularis function by testing the client’s ability to maintain internal rotation pressure against the abdomen without compensating. A positive finding may include weakness, inability to keep the elbow forward, wrist flexion compensation or familiar anterior shoulder...
The Bear Hug Test assesses subscapularis function by testing resisted shoulder internal rotation with the hand placed on the opposite shoulder. A positive finding may include weakness, inability to maintain hand position or familiar pain compared with the other side. A 2022 systematic review and met...
The Transverse Ligament Stress Test is used to assess possible upper cervical instability involving the transverse ligament and C1–C2 region. It is a high-caution test and should not be used routinely or aggressively. If upper cervical instability is suspected from history, symptoms or risk factors,...
Spurling’s Test assesses whether cervical extension, rotation, lateral flexion and compression reproduce familiar arm symptoms. A positive result may support cervical radiculopathy reasoning when paired with neurological findings and history, but it does not diagnose cervical radiculopathy on its ow...
The Sharp-Purser Test is used to assess possible atlantoaxial instability, particularly where transverse ligament compromise is a concern. It is usually described as a symptom-reduction or clunk test rather than a pain provocation test. A 2020 systematic review examined diagnostic accuracy, reliabil...
The Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion Test is used to assess whether cervical lateral flexion is restricted after rotating the neck, often as part of first rib mobility assessment. A 2022 study examined whether the test predicted benefit from manipulation to the first and second rib, supporting the ...
The Cervical Flexion Rotation Test assesses upper cervical rotation while the neck is held in flexion. It is commonly used to assess C1–C2 rotation limitation and may support reasoning in cervicogenic headache presentations. A 2022 perspective article noted that the CFRT has evidence for construct v...
