BRACHIAL PLEXUS

STRETCH TEST

​• ​Test positioning

The client is seated.

The therapist stands behind the client and places one hand on the side of the client's head and the other hand on the shoulder of the same side.

​• ​Action

The therapist laterally flexes the client's head while applying gentle downward pressure on the shoulder.

​• ​Positive finding

Pain that radiates into the clients' arm opposite to the laterally flexed neck indicates a positive finding.

​• ​Special considerations & comments

If pain is in the neck on the side toward lateral flexion, a pinched nerve or facet joint impingement may exist.

This test should not be performed if a cervical fracture or dislocation is suspected.

The Brachial Plexus Stretch Test incorporates insights from Dr. James Cyriax, a key figure in orthopaedic medicine, and Dr. Charles Bell, whose work on nerve function has greatly influenced the understanding of brachial plexus assessments.