ADSONS

MANEUVER

​• ​Test positioning

The client sits or stands.

The therapist stands with fingers over the radial artery (distally).

​• ​Action

The therapist externally rotates and extends the client's test arm while palpating the radial pulse.

The client then extends and rotates the neck toward the test arm and takes a deep breath.

​• ​Positive finding

A diminished or absent radial pulse is indicative of thoracic outlet syndrome, secondary to compression of the subclavian artery by the scalene muscles.

​• ​Special considerations & comments

This test assesses vascular structures only and has a high incidence (>50%) of false-positive findings.

The therapist should record the rate and rhythm of the pulse as reduced or altered, as opposed to one that is completely diminished.

Adson's Maneuver, named after Dr. Alfred Washington Adson, was developed through his work in neurosurgery and vascular assessment.

Contributions from Dr. Charles Bell, who focused on neurovascular structures, have also been influential.