College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Does the Impingement Test diagnose capsular impingement or rotator cuff impingement?

1. Rotator cuff impingement

2. Capsular impingement

3. Both capsular and rotator cuff impingement

4. Neither capsular nor rotator cuff impingement

The correct answer is: Rotator cuff impingement

The Impingement Test is specifically designed to assess the presence of rotator cuff impingement. This test evaluates how the rotator cuff tendons may be compressed during arm movements, particularly overhead motions. It helps identify if the tendons are being impinged upon by the acromion or surrounding structures, which can lead to pain and dysfunction in the shoulder. While the test may yield information about overall shoulder mechanics and can hint at other conditions, its primary focus remains on the evaluation of rotator cuff integrity and function. It is not a definitive diagnostic tool for capsular impingement, which involves the joint capsule rather than the rotator cuff tendons themselves. Therefore, the appropriate interpretation of the Impingement Test leads to the conclusion that it is primarily indicative of rotator cuff impingement, distinguishing it from other types of shoulder issues.