Understanding the Jobe's Test (Empty Can Test) Assessment
To assess for a tear or pathology of the **Supraspinatus muscle or tendon**.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting or standing. Shoulder is abducted to 90° in the **scapular plane** (30° horizontal adduction). The arm is maximally **internally rotated** (thumb pointing down, simulating an 'empty can').
What happens?
The therapist applies an external rotation force to the shoulder. If the patient reports apprehension, the Apprehension Test is considered positive.The therapist then applies a posteriorly directed force to the shoulder. If the patient's apprehension or pain decreases, the Jobe Relocation Test is considered positive.It's crucial to return the arm to a neutral position before releasing the posterior force to prevent shoulder dislocation.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The patient reports a sudden **onset of pain** at the greater tuberosity/deltoid insertion, or demonstrates **inability/marked weakness** compared to the unaffected side.
Helpful Tip:
The 'empty can' position is believed to best isolate the supraspinatus muscle.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Shoulder Tests
Apprehension Test (Anterior)
The Apprehension test is generally used to test the integrity of the glenohumeral joint capsule, or to assess glenohumeral instability in an anterior direction.
Hawkins-Kennedy Test
To detect **subacromial impingement syndrome**, specifically involving the supraspinatus tendon or biceps long head tendon.
Sulcus Sign
The sulcus test is used to assess the glenohumeral joint for inferior instability, due to laxity of the superior glenohumeral ligament and coracohumeral ligament.It was first described by Neer and Foster in 1980 to examine multidirectional instability
Yergason's Test
To assess for **pathology of the Long Head of the Biceps tendon** (e.g., instability, tear, or tendinopathy) and its stability in the bicipital groove.