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What is a Yocum Test?

The Yocum Test, also known as the Yocum Maneuvre, is a physical assessment done by practitioners specializing in shoulder and elbow pain, such as an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist, to check if a patient has subacromial impingement syndrome. 

To check if the patient has an impingement in the shoulder rotator cuff, the patient will be asked to adduct the arm of the affected side, flex the elbow of said arm, and place their hand on the opposite shoulder. Afterward, without moving their shoulder, they will be asked to raise their elbow. A positive result is when it’s obvious that the patient is hesitating to do the test or when they experience pain. 

If you're looking for other relevant resources, feel free to watch this video:

How does it work?

Access the Template

To access and download the template, you can do either of the following:

• Click the “Download Template” or “Use this Template” button above
• Search for the “Yocum Test” in Carepatron’s Template library on our app or website

Conduct the Test

After you complete the required basic information, such as your name, the patient’s name, and the exam date, you may conduct the test. 

Though you have a copy of the instructions on the template, to help you prepare as early as now, we’ve provided the same directions below: 

1. Have your patient in a sitting position.
2. Ask the patient to place the hand on the affected side on the shoulder of the unaffected side (opposite shoulder).
3. Ask them to elevate the elbow. 

Interpret

Once you’re finished conducting the test, you can record the patient’s results and any additional findings you may have. 

Below, you’ll find the interpretation you’ll also find on the template:

(+) Positive test if:

• The patient is hesitant to follow any of the instructions. 
• The patient feels pain when the elbow is elevated. 

Proceed with Further Testing

To ensure the diagnosis is accurate, aside from the test, it’s recommended that the practitioner also ask the patient to undergo further testing such as MRI scans, ultrasounds, CT scans, and X-rays. 

Yocum Tests Example (sample)

Here’s an example of a completed Yocum Test PDF sample template featuring a patient who tested positive. Hopefully, this will give you insight into how this assessment may look when completed. 

Grab a copy you can use as a reference in the future by viewing the sample below or clicking the “Download Example PDF” button above. 

Download this Yocum Test Example:

When would you use this Template?

Practitioners, specifically orthopedic specialists and physical therapists, may use this Yocum Test template when their patients exhibit shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendinitis symptoms. 

To help you out, we’ve listed down the common symptoms of this condition are:

• Pain and tenderness from the front of your shoulder to the side of your arm
• Pain in the area when moving or at rest 
• Pain with lifting and reaching
• Pain when arms are raised or overhead
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Pain or ache at night 
• Pain when reaching for something behind your back
• Weakness or stiffness behind your shoulder and/or arm

It’ll also be beneficial to conduct this test on patients who are athletes of sports that have overhead movements often whenever they complain of pain in the shoulder area. 

Benefits

Easy to Understand

The instructions on the Free Yocum test are written in layman’s terms, making them easy to understand and follow. Furthermore, the template is short and organized, considering the flow from gathering information to writing test results. This intuitive design was intended to make it more efficient for anyone to conduct the test. 

Quick to Administer

Because the test is short, you only need a few minutes to do it, and you’ll be saving up more time by having a template, like ours, that comes complete with instructions and an interpretation guide. 

Written Copies for Reference

With a template like ours, you will now have written copies you can use as a reference to avoid the risk of forgetting results. And if you save and store your completed document on Carepatron, other relevant practitioners will have written copies for reference once you provide them with limited viewing access. 

Insight into the Patient’s Condition

You may use this test as a basis or jumping-off point for discussing the patient’s health and daily routine, especially if they test positive.

Research & Evidence

The Yocum Test is one of many reliable physical examination tests utilized by practitioners today. To prove its usefulness and effectiveness, here’s a finding from a journal article entitled “Accuracy of physical examination in subacromial impingement syndrome”: According to the researchers, the Yocum test “has the best sensitivity and precision” compared to other physical examination maneuvres that are used to detect subacromial impingement on a patient’s shoulder. 

Why use Carepatron as your Yocum Test app? 

It’s because thousands of physical therapists use Carepatron in their practice, and you should too. 

With Carepatron, you can do more than just download, complete, and store your Yocum Test template. On our software and mobile/desktop-friendly app, you can automate specific tasks and streamline processes, such as: 

Scheduling

Physical therapists must stay on top of their schedule to ensure that all patients are cared for. Make it easier for you to control your schedule by allowing your patients to request their appointments independently. Turn on our sync feature to allow all approved appointments to appear on your Google/iCal calendar and our built-in calendar. Finally, reduce no-shows by sending your patients' automated reminders via SMS and email. 

Managing Clinical Documents

We have over 1000 downloadable, editable, and printable templates of tests and medical documents you will find useful in your practice. Plus, with our features, you can collate all results under the patient's digital file, create notes on their diagnosis or treatment plan, and store all these records on our secure, HIPAA-compliant storage. 

Handling Online Payments

Reminding patients of their due and providing them with easier payment options is possible on Carepatron. On the app, you can automate invoice creation, set up automated reminders, and process payments with a few clicks. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to improve the caliber of your practice with Carepatron. Sign up today!

References

L. Silva and others, Accuracy of physical examination in subacromial impingement syndrome, Rheumatology, Volume 47, Issue 5, May 2008, Pages 679–683, https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/ken101