Spine Cervical Spine Evidence: confirmed

Shoulder Press Test Special Test

Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide

Shoulder Press Test Orthopedic Special Test

What is it used for?

  • Differentiating Nerve Root pain from Muscle/Facet pain.

How to Perform

  • Position: Patient seated.
  • Action: Examiner pushes the shoulder downward while tilting the patient's head to the opposite side.

Interpretation of Results

  • Nerve Pain: Pain/tingling on the stretched side (neck/shoulder) indicates nerve root irritation.
  • Joint Pain: Pain on the compressed side (the side the head is tilting towards) suggests facet joint pathology.

References

  • Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System 3rd Ed. Book.