Test: Shoulder Abduction Test - Cervical Radiculopathy

Video Link

Background/Purpose

The lower cervical nerve roots can sometimes become irritated from sustained tension. Placing the shoulder into abduction can relieve the tension on the nerves and create relief for the patient.

Procedure

Patient is seated on the table. The patient is instructed to place the hand of the affected extremity on the head in order to support the extremity in the scapular plane. A positive (failed) test is when this position alleviates symptoms.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Patient rests involved arm(hand) on head and gets symptomatic relief.

Criteria

• Reduces symptoms.

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail