Cervical rotation lateral flexion test Tests for hypomobility of the first rib as a cause or contributor of thoracic outlet syndrome. The client should be sitting on the massage table or in a chair with their head rotated away from the side of the body experiencing thoracic outlet pain; e.g. lateral or anterior neck pain, shoulder, arm or hand pain, or numbness or tingling in Cervical compression test Tests for a cervical nerve compression in the lower cervical spine. The client should be sitting on the table or in a chair with their neck relaxed. The massage therapist is behind the client with their fingers interlaced on top of the client’s head. The therapist then gently compresses the head inferiorly. A positive result typically comes in one of two forms: The first is pain or numbness radiating down or toward one or both arms; the second is pain or numbness locally in the neck region. Pain or numbness radiating down or away from the neck region is indicative of a nerve Adson’s and travel’s tests Tests for neurovascular compression due to hypertonicity of the anterior or middle scalene. The client is seated and asked to extend and laterally rotate the affected arm while their head remains in a neutral position. The massage therapist monitors the client’s radial pulse. The Costoclavicular syndrome test Tests for a neurovascular compression between the clavicle and first rib. The client is seated. The massage therapist stands behind the client and passively depresses Swallowing test Tests to see if difficulty or pain upon swallowing is due to trigger points in the SCM. The client should be supine on the table. The massage therapist will grasp one side of the SCM between their first two fingers and their thumb and palpate the length of the muscle while asking the client where the most tender point in the SCM is. Once the most tender point has been found and compressed Three knuckle test Tests for hypomobility of the temporomandibular joint aka the TMJ. The client may either lay supine, sit or stand. The client will open their mouth as wide as possible. Then, they are to try and fit as many of their flexed fingers (in the form of a fist) into their mouth. The TMJ is considered Orbicularis oculi strength test Tests for Bell’s Palsy, a dysfunction of cranial nerve VII due to trauma or injury. The client should be in a supine or seated position with their eyes closed. The massage therapist will attempt to open the affected eye with a clean or preferably gloved hand while the client resists. Bell’s Palsy may be indicated if the client is unable to keep their eye closed against the therapist’s resistance, particularly
these areas. As the client rotates their head, they will be asked to laterally flex their head towards their chest. Inability to laterally flex their head is likely due to an elevation or other displacement of the first rib caused by hypertonicity of the anterior and middle scalene muscles.
root impingement while local pain or numbness is more symptomatic of joint or cervical disc damage. In the case of a nerve root impingement, the cervical distraction technique can help relieve stress on the cervical vertebrae that are compressing a nerve. With the client supine on the table, the therapist gently grasps the client’s head at the occiput (base of skull) and temporal area and slowly provides traction (pulling away from the body) for 30 seconds. Pain or numbness due to cervical compression should subside. client rotates their head toward the affected side, slightly elevates their chin and is asked to hold their breath for 15 to 30 seconds. A positive result is indicated by the radial pulse diminishing or by numbness or tingling of the client’s arm.
and retracts the scapula. A positive result is indicated by numbness or tingling of the client’s arm.
to 7 on the pain scale of 10, the client is asked to swallow. Difficulty or pain swallowing due to a trigger point will be indicated by reduced pain or tenderness when the client swallows. Note: Difficulty or pain swallowing may also be a symptom of a local infection, a hematoma, a boney cervical overgrowth, or a tumor. hypomobile (low ROM) if the client can only fit one to two flexed fingers in their mouth. Both the masseter and temporalis muscles should be examined bilaterally for hypertonicity or trigger points, particularly where they meet at the zygomatic arch. if accompanied by the pathology’s other symptoms such as facial paralysis or numbing, headaches, decrease in the ability to taste, or changes in saliva production. If Bell’s Palsy is suspected, refer the client to a physician. Note: Bell’s Palsy is not an indication of a stroke. It may be caused by recent infections, so the massage therapist should screen for contraindications of an infectious nature.
ORTHOPEDIC TESTS FOR THE SHOULDER GIRDLE
Upper trapezius strength test Tests for a dysfunction of the upper trapezius muscle. The client will be lying supine on the table with their arm abducted to 90 degrees. They will be flexed at the elbow to 90 degrees with the back of their hand on the table. The massage therapist rotates the client’s head away from the Scapular adduction strength test Tests for the weakness or a dysfunction of the adductors of the scapula. The client should be in the prone position on the massage table. Their arm will be abducted to 90
side being tested, then applies light anteriorly directed pressure (the chin should appear to be approaching the shoulder joint) while the client resists the motion. A weak or dysfunctional upper trapezius muscle is indicated if the client is unable to resist the therapist’s strength.
degrees and their elbow flexed to 90 degrees so that it is draped off the table. The client is asked to move their elbow toward the ceiling while trying to squeeze
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Book Code: MNJ0524
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