Full Can Test Shoulder Impingement

The Full Can Test is used to assess the function of Supraspinatus muscle and tendon of the shoulder complex.

Full Can Test

Technique

The patient can be seated or standing for this test, holding their arm in 90° of elevation in scapular plane (30° anterior to the frontal plane) with full external rotation of the glenohumeral joint. In this position, the patient's thumb should be pointing up. The therapist should stabilize the shoulder while applying a downward force to the arm whilst the patient tries to resist this motion. This test is considered positive if the patient experiences pain or weakness with resistance to the shoulder complex.