Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Lift-off Test

also known as Gerber test
🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient standing, have them place the back of the hand against the mid-lumbar back, then lift the hand away from the back. A positive test is inability to lift the hand off the back.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Subacromial Impingement

Lift-off test positive
Rule in
Very helpful
Rule out
Minimally helpful
Evidence:Strong

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.
  • Gerber C, Krushell RJ. Isolated rupture of the tendon of the subscapularis muscle. Clinical features in 16 cases. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1991;73(3):389-394.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Diagnoses

Subacromial Impingement

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Drop Arm Test
aka Codman test
Rule in:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:NHSubacromial Impingement, ICSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
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
Hawkins Impingement Sign
aka Hawkins-Kennedy test
Rule in:MHSubacromial Impingement, ICSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more
🎬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
Shoulder Strength
Rule in:HInfraspinatus Tear, SHSupraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
Rule out:HSupraspinatus Tear, NHInfraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Cross-body Adduction Test
aka Scarf test
Rule in:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
Rule out:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology