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The Empty Can Test: How Physio360 Diagnoses and Treats Rotator Cuff Injuries.

  • Writer: PHYSIO 360
    PHYSIO 360
  • May 2
  • 3 min read


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INTRODUCTION;

Shoulder pain can turn simple tasks like combing your hair or lifting groceries into frustrating challenges. Among the many causes of shoulder discomfort, rotator cuff injuries are one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions. At Physio360 Chennai, our expert physiotherapists use reliable orthopaedic tests like the Empty Can Test to detect issues involving the supraspinatus tendon—one of the most vulnerable parts of your shoulder.

If you’ve been struggling with persistent shoulder pain, the Empty Can Test might be your first step toward fast, effective relief at Physio360.


What Is the Empty Can Test?

The Empty Can Test, also known as the Supraspinatus Test, is a simple clinical test designed to evaluate the integrity and strength of the supraspinatus muscle, a key component of the rotator cuff.

How the Test Is Performed

At Physio360, our trained physiotherapists conduct this test as follows:

  1. The patient elevates their arms to 90 degrees in the scapular plane (around 30–45 degrees in front of the body).

  2. Arms are internally rotated so the thumbs point downward—mimicking the action of emptying a can (hence the name).

  3. The therapist applies gentle downward pressure on both arms.

A positive test occurs when the patient experiences pain or noticeable weakness, which may indicate:

  • Supraspinatus tendinopathy

  • Rotator cuff tear

  • Impingement syndrome




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Why Is the Empty Can Test Important?

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, this test is an essential part of our shoulder assessment protocol because:

  • It helps isolate the supraspinatus muscle

  • It differentiates between muscular weakness and pain-related inhibition

  • It guides our treatment planning for rotator cuff rehabilitation


Symptoms That May Require the Empty Can Test.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, a physiotherapist at Physio360 may perform the Empty Can Test:

  • Shoulder pain when lifting the arm sideways or above the head

  • Difficulty reaching behind the back or over the shoulder

  • Weakness during overhead activities

  • Sharp pain when sleeping on the affected side


Causes of Supraspinatus Dysfunction

The supraspinatus is particularly prone to injury due to:

  • Overuse from sports like swimming, tennis, cricket, or weightlifting

  • Poor posture (forward head and rounded shoulders)

  • Degeneration due to ageing

  • Direct trauma or falls

At Physio360, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we investigate why the injury occurred and tailor our approach accordingly.


How Physio360 Treats Supraspinatus Injuries.

Once the Empty Can Test confirms supraspinatus involvement, our team at Physio360 Chennai creates a personalised treatment plan focused on recovery, strengthening, and prevention.

1. Manual Therapy

Mobilisation of the shoulder joint and scapula to reduce stiffness and improve range.

2. Rotator Cuff Strengthening

Therapeutic exercises targeting not just the supraspinatus but also the infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor.

3. Postural Correction

We guide you in correcting poor posture that may overload the shoulder tendons.

4. Dry Needling & Taping

These techniques can reduce inflammation and support the injured tissues during activity.

5. Home Exercise Programs

Our follow-up protocols ensure you continue healing and avoid re-injury.

At Physio360, we believe in educating our patients so they can become active participants in their recovery.




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Why Choose Physio360?

When it comes to accurate diagnosis and lasting recovery from shoulder injuries, Physio360 in Chennai stands out as one of the best physiotherapy centres. Whether you're searching for:

  • “Best physiotherapist near me”

  • “Rotator cuff rehab expert in Chennai”

  • “Affordable physiotherapy for shoulder pain”

  • “Sports injury treatment near me”

…Physio360 is your go-to destination. We combine clinical expertise, advanced rehab technology, and compassionate care to ensure that you recover fully and quickly.


Final Thoughts

The Empty Can Test is a powerful clinical tool in identifying supraspinatus injuries, and it’s routinely used by our specialists at Physio360. If you're dealing with unexplained shoulder pain or weakness, don’t wait until it worsens. Book a consultation with our expert team at Physio360 Chennai and take the first step toward pain-free movement and a stronger shoulder.


REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE :

1.Kinesiology of the empty can testhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7632387/.


2.Comparison of muscle activity in the empty-can and full-can testing positions using 18 F-FDG PET/CThttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/266379923_Comparison_of_muscle_activity_in_the_empty-can_and_full-can_testing_positions_using_18_F-FDG_PETCT.

 
 
 

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