HAWKINS KENNEDY IMPINGEMENT TEST

​• ​Test positioning

The client sits or stands with both upper extremities relaxed.

The therapist stands with one hand grasping the client's elbow and the other hand grasping the client's wrist, both on the test arm.

​• ​Action

The therapist forward flexes the shoulder to 90-degrees and then internally rotates the client's test shoulder.

​• ​Positive finding

Shoulder pain and apprehension are indicative of shoulder impingement, particularly of the supraspinatus tendon.

​• ​Special considerations & comments

​This test tends to be the most sensitive for assessing subacromial impingement.

The Hawkins Kennedy Impingement Test is named after Dr. Ronald Hawkins and Dr. Edwin Kennedy.

Their pioneering work in shoulder impingement and sports medicine has been instrumental in developing and standardizing this assessment.