SURPRISE TEST

(Anterior Release Test)

​• ​Test positioning

The client lies supine with the test shoulder in 90-degrees of abduction and full external rotation.

The therapist stands with the distal hand grasping the client's wrist and hand and the proximal hand placed over the client's humeral head (anteriorly), applying a posteriorly direct force to the humeral head.

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​• ​Action

The therapist quickly removes the proximal hand from the humeral head.

​• ​Positive finding

A sudden return of symptoms that were elicited from the Apprehension Test is indicative of anterior instability.

​• ​Special considerations & comments

​The Surprise Test is merely an extension of the Relocation Test, and should therefore be performed immediately following the Apprehension and Relocation Tests, respectively.

If the client demonstrates severe apprehension and instability symptoms with the Apprehension Test, the Surprise Test should not be performed so as not to traumatize (or lose rapport with) the client.

The Surprise Test, also known as the Anterior Release Test, was developed by Dr. James Andrews and Dr. John C. Kennedy, whose extensive research on shoulder instability and joint mechanics has been foundational.