Yergason’s Test

The Yergason’s Test is an orthopedic assessment that helps screen for pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon, the transverse humeral ligament, and potential SLAP (labral) lesions in the shoulder. It is most useful for identifying biceps tendon instability, tendinopathy, or tears that manifest as anterior shoulder pain, especially in clients with repetitive or forceful elbow and shoulder activity.

Yergason's Test

How the Test is Performed

  • Client Position: Seated or standing, with the elbow flexed at 90°, forearm pronated (palm down), and arm close to the torso.

  • Examiner Action: The examiner stabilizes the elbow and palpates the bicipital groove.

  • The client is instructed to supinate the forearm (turn palm up) and externally rotate the shoulder against the examiner’s resistance.

  • Throughout the test, the examiner palpates for popping, snapping, or abnormal movement of the biceps tendon, as well as pain or tenderness at the bicipital groove.

Clinical Significance

  • Positive Test:

    • Pain or tenderness in the bicipital groove suggests biceps tendinopathy or SLAP lesion.

    • A palpable “pop,” “snap,” or subluxation of the tendon during the test is highly suggestive of a tear of the transverse humeral ligament, leading to biceps tendon instability.

  • Compare both sides for symptoms, strength, and mechanical abnormalities.

  • Yergason’s Test is especially helpful when clients report anterior shoulder pain, clicking, or snapping sensations during forearm rotation, resisted flexion, or overhead activity.

  • Sensitivity is moderate and specificity is high, especially for tendon instability or SLAP lesions.

  • Often performed alongside Speed’s Test and other shoulder special tests for accurate diagnosis.

Assessment

  • Utilize the test for clients with anterior shoulder pain, history of biceps injury, clicking/snapping, or weakness during forearm supination or shoulder movement.

  • Record findings, location and character of pain, and any palpatory abnormalities for guiding treatment and referral.

Treatment

  • Avoid deep friction, aggressive massage, or stretching directly over the bicipital groove or anterior shoulder if the test is positive especially if a “pop” or snap was felt. These may indicate instability or active tendon injury.

  • Instead, focus gentle soft tissue and myofascial release techniques on compensating muscles surrounding the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and upper arm.

  • Educate clients about minimizing aggravating activities (heavy lifting, overhead motion), home exercise, and postural correction.

Safety and Referral

  • Refer clients for further medical evaluation (imaging, physician, physiotherapist) if the test is positive. Referal is important especially if snapping, instability, or severe pain is present, as tears and SLAP lesions require multidisciplinary management.

  • Avoid provocative maneuvers and forceful range of motion work until cleared by a healthcare provider.