Purpose: To assess for cervical radiculopathy at the levels of C4-C6.
Test Position: Sitting.
Performing the Test: Either have the patient actively, or you as a clinician passively, place the patient’s hand on top of his/her head. A decrease in pain is a positive test.
Diagnostic Accuracy: Unknown.
Importance of Test: Due to the lack of diagnostic criteria for this test, it should not be used for ruling in any pathologies. A patient may mention that they can only relieve their pain in this position. Proceed with other exam measures after this is reported or found to triangulate your findings. Relief of pain at these levels is due to a decrease in tension of the nerve and lower nerve roots with the shoulder in the abducted position.
Note: tests should only be performed by a properly trained health care practitioner.