Neer's Test

What is a Neers Test?

is a physical exam maneuver used to diagnose shoulder impingement syndrome. Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become compressed and irritated as they pass through a narrow space between the bones and soft tissues of the shoulder joint. This can result in pain and weakness in the shoulder, limiting movement and function.

During the Neer's test, the patient stands or sits while the examiner stabilizes the scapula with one hand and flexes the patient's arm forward and upward with the other hand. This maneuver compresses the rotator cuff tendons against the acromion, the bony prominence on the top of the shoulder blade. If the maneuver reproduces the patient's pain symptoms, it indicates a positive test result and suggests the presence of shoulder impingement syndrome.

Neer's test is a simple and reliable diagnostic tool that a healthcare provider can perform in a clinical setting. It is often used with other physical exam maneuvers and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to confirm a diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or surgery in severe cases. By identifying the source of the patient's shoulder pain, Neer's test can help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and improve function.

How does this printable Neer Test work?

The printable Neer test is a template that can be used to perform Neer's test for shoulder impingement syndrome. It is a convenient tool for healthcare providers to document the patient's symptoms and test results during the exam. Here are the steps involved in using and filling out the template:

Introduction:

Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the exam to the patient.

Patient position:

Ask the patient to stand or sit upright with the arm to be tested at their side.

Stabilization:

With one hand, stabilize the patient's scapula to prevent movement during the test.

Arm flexion:

With the other hand, flex the patient's arm forward and upward, raising it as high as possible.

Test result:

Observe the patient's response to the maneuver. If the patient reports pain or discomfort, note this on the template.

Repeat on the other side:

Perform the test on the other shoulder if necessary and document the results.

Diagnosis:

Use the results of Neer's test, other physical exam maneuvers, and imaging studies to confirm a diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome if present.

Treatment plan:

Develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's diagnosis and symptoms.

Using the printable Neer test can help healthcare providers accurately document the patient's symptoms and test results, aiding in making a timely diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan.

Neer’s Test Scoring

Neer's test’s scoring system is used to quantify the severity of shoulder impingement syndrome based on the patient's response to the exam. The scoring system assigns points for pain and weakness during the test, with higher scores indicating more severe impingement.

The scoring system consists of four categories, each with a maximum possible score of 3 points:

• Pain during forward flexion: If the patient reports pain during the Neer's test, 1 point is assigned. If the pain is severe enough to stop the test, 2 points are given.

• Pain during forced elevation: If the patient reports pain during the forced height of the arm, 1 point is assigned. If the pain is severe enough to stop the test, 2 points are given.

• Weakness during abduction: If the patient experiences weakness or inability to raise the arm during an abduction, 1 point is assigned. If the patient cannot raise the arm at all, 2 points are assigned.

• Night pain: If the patient reports pain that disturbs their sleep, 1 point is assigned.

The total score is calculated by adding the points from each category, with a maximum possible score of 12. Higher scores indicate more severe impingement and can help healthcare providers develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Neer's test’s scoring system is a simple and valuable tool for quantifying the severity of shoulder impingement syndrome and can aid in monitoring the patient's progress and response to treatment.

When to use these Neers Shoulder tests?

The Neer's shoulder tests are appropriate when a healthcare provider suspects a patient may have shoulder impingement syndrome. This common condition can cause pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Neer's test is a simple and reliable diagnostic tool that can help healthcare providers identify the presence of shoulder impingement syndrome. It can be performed in a clinical setting with minimal equipment.

Some common indications for using the Neer's shoulder tests include:

Shoulder pain:

Suppose a patient presents with shoulder pain, primarily if it is localized to the anterior or lateral aspect of the shoulder. In that case, Neer's test may be appropriate to help identify the source of the pain.

Limited range of motion:

If a patient reports difficulty or pain with shoulder movement, the Neer's test can help to identify impingement of the rotator cuff tendons as a potential cause.

History of shoulder trauma:

If a patient has a history of shoulder injury or trauma, they may be at increased risk for shoulder impingement syndrome, and the Neer's test can help to confirm or rule out this diagnosis.

Athletes or manual laborers:

Individuals participating in sports or manual labor may be at increased risk for shoulder impingement syndrome. Neer's test can identify this condition early and prevent further damage or complications.

Who is this Neers Test PDF for?

The Neer's Test PDF template is a valuable resource for various healthcare practitioners evaluating and treating patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Here are some examples of healthcare practitioners who can benefit from using this template:

Orthopedic surgeons:

Orthopedic surgeons can use the Neer's Test PDF template to help diagnose shoulder impingement syndrome and document the results during the physical exam. The template can also help to monitor the patient's progress and response to treatment over time.

Physical therapists:

Physical therapists can use the Neer's Test PDF template to help assess the patient's shoulder range of motion and strength and to identify any limitations or pain associated with shoulder impingement. The template can also monitor the patient's progress during physical therapy treatment.

Primary care physicians:

Primary care physicians can use the Neer's Test PDF template as a diagnostic tool for shoulder impingement syndrome and to document the results during the physical exam. This can aid in making a timely diagnosis and referring the patient to appropriate specialists if necessary.

Sports medicine practitioners:

Sports medicine practitioners can use Neer's Test PDF template to assess athletes with shoulder pain or limited range of motion and monitor their progress during treatment and rehabilitation.

The Neer's Test PDF template is a valuable resource for any healthcare practitioner evaluating and treating patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. By using this template, practitioners can document the results of the Neer's test and monitor the patient's progress over time. This can aid in making an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan.

Benefits of these free Neers Test Templates

Benefits of using free Neer's Test Templates:

Time-saving:

Using a pre-designed Neer's Test template can save healthcare providers valuable time that would otherwise be spent creating a template from scratch.

Accuracy:

Templates help ensure accuracy and consistency in documentation and scoring, which is essential for making a correct diagnosis and tracking patient progress.

Convenience:

A printable template makes it easier for healthcare providers to perform and document the Neer's test during a physical exam.

Professionalism:

A well-designed, easy-to-read template can help healthcare providers maintain a professional appearance and improve patient satisfaction.

Accessibility:

Free Neer's Test templates are easily accessible and can be downloaded and printed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cost-effective:

The free Neer's Test templates are cost-effective for healthcare providers and patients, as they do not require additional fees or equipment.

Using a Neer's Test template can provide healthcare providers with numerous benefits, including increased accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism. These templates can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for patients with shoulder impingement syndrome while improving patient satisfaction. By providing a free and accessible resource, these templates can help improve patient care quality without adding any extra costs to the healthcare system.