Neer’s Test & Hawkins-Kennedy Test: Complete Guide to Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints seen in clinical practice. A major cause behind this pain is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, where the rotator cuff tendons get compressed between the humeral head and acromion. To diagnose this condition effectively, clinicians widely use two important special tests—Neer’s Test and Hawkins-Kennedy Test.
In this article, we will understand both tests in a simple and practical way.
What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff are irritated or compressed during shoulder movements, especially overhead activities. It leads to pain, reduced mobility, and functional limitations.
Neer’s Impingement Test
Procedure:
- The patient is in a sitting or standing position
- Stabilize the scapula
- Passively flex the arm forward (shoulder flexion)
- Internally rotate the arm
Positive Sign:
Pain during movement indicates a positive test, suggesting impingement of structures under the acromion.
Hawkins-Kennedy Test
Procedure:
- Flex the patient’s shoulder to 90 degrees
- Bend the elbow to 90 degrees
- Internally rotate the shoulder
Positive Sign:
Pain during internal rotation indicates possible supraspinatus tendon impingement.
Clinical Importance
Both tests are essential for:
- Early diagnosis of shoulder impingement
- Differentiating shoulder pathologies
- Planning physiotherapy treatment
Watch Practical Demonstration
For better understanding, watch this complete lecture and practical demonstration:
👉 https://youtu.be/-WZt632qLRo
Who Should Learn These Tests?
- Physiotherapy students
- MBBS students
- Orthopedic practitioners
- Sports therapists
Conclusion
Neer’s and Hawkins-Kennedy tests are simple yet highly effective clinical tools. Mastering these tests helps in accurate diagnosis and better patient management.
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