Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Hawkins Impingement Sign

also known as Hawkins-Kennedy test
🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Position the patient’s arm straight forward at shoulder height with the elbow flexed to 90° and the forearm horizontal. Use one hand to prevent elevation of the shoulder, and with the other hand lower the forearm to passively internally rotate the shoulder. Reproduction of shoulder pain is a positive test.

How to Interpret

Showing 2 of 4 findings

Subacromial Impingement

Hawkins impingement sign positive
Rule in
Minimally helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Strong

Supraspinatus Tendinopathy

Hawkins impingement sign positive
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Alqunaee M, Galvin R, Fahey T. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for subacromial impingement syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2012;93(2):229-236. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2011.08.035. PMID 22289231.
  • Balevi Batur E, Bekin Sarikaya PZ, Kaygisiz ME, Albayrak Gezer I, Levendoglu F. Diagnostic Dilemma: Which Clinical Tests Are Most Accurate for Diagnosing Supraspinatus Muscle Tears and Tendinosis When Compared to Magnetic Resonance Imaging? Cureus. 2022 Jun 13;14(6):e25903. doi:10.7759/cureus.25903. PMID: 35844349. PMCID: PMC9278872.
  • Hawkins RJ, Kennedy JC. Impingement syndrome in athletes. Am J Sports Med. 1980;8(3):151-158.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalUpper Extremities

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🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Neer Impingement Sign
aka Neer test
Rule in:MHSubacromial Impingement, NHRotator Cuff Tear, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy +2 more
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHRotator Cuff Tear, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy +2 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Drop Arm Test
aka Codman test
Rule in:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:NHSubacromial Impingement, ICSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
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Empty Can Test
aka Jobe test
Rule in:SHSupraspinatus Tear, MHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, MHSupraspinatus Tear, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Supraspinatus Palpation
aka Rent test; transdeltoid palpation
Rule in:VHSupraspinatus Tear, IESubacromial Bursitis, IESupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:VHSupraspinatus Tear, IESubacromial Bursitis, IESupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Lift-off Test
aka Gerber test
Rule in:VHSubacromial Impingement
Rule out:MHSubacromial Impingement
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Cross-body Adduction Test
aka Scarf test
Rule in:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
Rule out:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology