Recall: Diagnosing Typical Cervicals

Steps for Treatment:

EASE, COMPRESSION, BARRIER

1. The patient is supine with the physician seated or standing at the head of the table.
2. The physician places a hand under the patient’s occiput using the index finger and thumb to monitor.  The finger and thumb should be placed just posterior to the mastoid processes and the patient’s head should be supported by the palm of the physician’s hand.
3. Ease
   • Grasp the skull and move the cervical joint into its position of ease – all 3 planes. (Ex: C3 E RlSl: Extend, Rotate left, Sidebend left)
   • Slightly exaggerate the position of ease (tissues soften)
4. Compression
   • Apply compression force (Or traction) until it is felt in the monitoring hand
5. Barrier
   • While maintaining compression (Or traction), move the cervical joint into its restrictive barrier – all 3 planes. You will move through the barrier to end up in the position that is opposite of your diagnosis (Ex: C3 E RlSl: Flex, rotate right, sidebend right)
6. Release compression and return to neutral
7. Reassess

Video Tutorial: