Codman’s Test is commonly used to assess whether the client can control lowering the arm from an elevated position. A positive finding may include sudden dropping, inability to lower smoothly, marked weakness or familiar pain. Contemporary shoulder assessment commentary cautions that rotator cuff sp...

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 Arm Squeeze Test assesses whether squeezing the middle third of the upper arm reproduces markedly greater pain than squeezing the acromioclavicular or subacromial region. It is intended to help differentiate cervical nerve root-related arm pain from shoulder-origin pain. A 2021 diagnostic accura...

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 Transverse Ligament Stress Test is a high-caution upper cervical screening manoeuvre historically used to assess possible transverse ligament compromise and atlantoaxial instability. It should not be used routinely, aggressively or as a way to “clear” the cervical spine before high-load activity...

Spurling’s Test is a cervical symptom provocation test commonly used when cervical radicular symptoms are suspected. It typically combines cervical extension, lateral flexion, rotation and gentle axial compression while monitoring for reproduction of familiar arm symptoms. A positive test may increa...

The Sharp-Purser Test is an upper cervical screening manoeuvre historically used to assess possible atlantoaxial instability, particularly in relation to transverse ligament insufficiency. It is most often discussed in populations with risk factors such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory disease,...

The Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion Test is a neck and upper thoracic assessment commonly used to observe whether cervical rotation followed by lateral flexion is limited, uncomfortable or asymmetrical. It is often taught as a first rib mobility test and may be used when neck, shoulder girdle, upp...

The Cervical Flexion Rotation Test is an upper cervical mobility assessment used to observe rotation range while the cervical spine is held in flexion. This position is intended to limit lower cervical contribution and bias movement toward the upper cervical spine, particularly C1–C2. A positive tes...

The Cervical Distraction Test is a symptom-relief test used during neck and arm symptom assessment. The professional applies gentle axial traction to the cervical spine while monitoring whether familiar neck or upper-limb symptoms reduce. A positive test is typically symptom reduction or relief, esp...