Recall: Diagnosing the AA

Steps for Treatment:

EASE, COMPRESSION, BARRIER

1. The patient is supine with the physician standing or seated at the head of the table.
2. The physician places one hand under the head of the patient to monitor the AA joint.  The transverse processes of Atlas(C1) are monitored by the index or middle finger and thumb.  The patient’s head should now be supported by the palm of the physician’s hand which is resting on the table.
3. Ease
   • Move the occiput/AA joint into its position of ease (Ex: AA Rr = rotation to the right)
   • Physician slightly exaggerates position of ease (tissues soften)
4. Compression
   • Apply compression force until it is felt in the monitoring hand (index finger and thumb; very slight)
5. Barrier
   • While maintaining compression, the physician then rotates the head/AA into its restrictive barrier (Ex: AA Rr = to the left) until there is a reduction of tissue and muscle tension.
6. Release compression and return to neutral
7. Reassess

Video Tutorial: