Purpose of Alar Ligament Stress Test: To test the stability of the upper cervical spine and the integrity of the supporting alar ligaments. Patient position: Supine lying with the head rested on the examination table (supported by a pillow) in neutral alignment. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient on the head side. Lateral Procedure (performed while the patient is in a supine position) Gently lift … Continue reading Alar Ligament Stress Test
Finding the best way to manipulate or mobilize the spine in patients with severe radiculopathies can be difficult for many physiotherapists. There are two ways to determine the right direction. The first is the H-reflex approach, which Mohamed Sabahhi described (Abdulwahab and Sabbahi, 2000; Ali Ashraf and Sabbahi, 2001; Ali and Sabbahi, 2000), Another one is the Robin McKenzie-described pre-manipulative testing (McKenzie R 1981). Both … Continue reading Spinal manipulation and mobilization in the right direction: part 2
Purpose of Sharp Purser Test: To determine if subluxation of the atlas on the axis vertebra is present and diagnose atlantoaxial instability (1). Patient position: Sitting. Examiner position: Standing beside the patient. Procedure: Ask the patient to perform a slight cervical retraction/nod to correct the poke chin posture. Place the palm of one hand over the patient’s forehead. Place the thumb and the index finger … Continue reading Sharp Purser Test
Purpose of Transverse Ligament Stress Test: To test the stability (hypermobility) of the atlantoaxial articulation and the integrity of the supporting transverse ligament (1, 2). Patient position: Supine lying with the head rested on the examination table (supported by a pillow) in neutral alignment. Examiner position: Standing on the head side while the patient is lying supine. Procedure: Give gentle support to your patient’s occiput … Continue reading Transverse Ligament Stress Test
Purpose of Hallpike-Dix Test: To determine whether vertigo is triggered by head movements and identify benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) (1-3). Patient position: Sitting with legs extended on the examination table, and the patient’s head is rotated/turned 45 degrees toward the ear to be tested. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient on the head side, while the patient is in a long sitting position on … Continue reading Hallpike-Dix Test
