Empty can test

• The empty can test (Jobe's test) tests the supraspinatus muscle - responsible for first 15 degrees of abduction
• How to perform:

  • Forward flex shoulders up with arms extended (hold arms out in front of them)
  • Bring arms out to around 30 degrees
  • Pronate wrist so thumb points down to the floor (like emptying a can of coke)
  • Ask patient to push arms up against resistance
• Interpretation:

  • Pain = suggests supraspinatus tendon impingement (subacromial impingement syndrome)
  • Weakness = suggests tear to supraspinatus