THOMPSON

TEST

​• Test positioning

The client lies prone on a table with the heels placed over the edge of the table.

​• Action

With the gastrocnemius soleus complex relaxed, the therapist squeezes the belly of these muscles.

​• Positive finding

When squeezing the calf muscles, a normal response would be to have the foot plantar flex.

Therefore, an absence of plantar flexion upon squeezing would be a positive test, indicating a possible rupture of the Achilles tendon.

The Thompson Test, credited to Dr. Simmonds Thompson, is used for diagnosing Achilles tendon ruptures by observing plantarflexion upon squeezing the calf muscle.