The Apprehension Test is used to look for instability in the shoulder. The test is performed on patients who have injured or even dislocated the shoulder. The test is done by moving the patient's arm out to the side and rotating the arm (and shoulder) outward into external rotation. This is the position you would use to throw a ball.

An apprehension test is positive if the patient looks alarmed or concerned. The patient may ask the doctor or therapist to stop the test. Many patients say it feels like the shoulder is going to dislocate again. In fact, if the test is done too quickly the shoulder can dislocate.