NEER IMPINGEMENT TEST

​• ​Test positioning

The client sits or stands with both upper extremities relaxed.

The therapist stands with one hand on the scapula (posteriorly) and the other hand grasping the client's elbow (anteriorly).

​• ​Action

With the client's scapula stabilized the therapist passively and maximally forward flexes the test shoulder.

​• ​Positive finding

Shoulder pain and apprehension are indicative of shoulder impingement, particularly of the supraspinatus and biceps long head tendons.

​• ​Special considerations & comments

​A false-positive test may be elicited if the client has limited forward flexion to the extent that anatomical impingement is not the limiting factor.

The Neer Impingement Test is named after Dr. Charles Neer, whose extensive research on shoulder impingement has been foundational.

Contributions from Dr. James Cyriax have also influenced the development and standardization of this assessment.