• Test positioning

The client can sit or lie supine.

• Action

The therapist gently taps the cervical area near Erb's point.

Erb's point can be found anterior to the transverse process of C6, approximately 2 cm superior to the location of the clavicle.

• Positive finding

A subjective reporting of a change in sensation to the upper extremity on the ipsilateral side resulting in increased pain or absent/diminished sensation is positive, indicating brachial plexus pathology.

• Special considerations & comments

This area is believed to be where the proximal portion of the brachial plexus is most superficial.

A positive finding should be combined with a complete cervical nerve root assessment prior to any involved pathology to the brachial plexus.

Tinel's Sign is named after Dr. Jules Tinel, a French neurologist who first described it.

Contributions from Dr. Henry O. Kendall and Dr. Vladimir Janda have further refined its application in neuromuscular assessment.