VALSALVA'S

MANEUVER

​• Test positioning

The client should sit.

The therapist stands next to the client.

​• Action

The therapist asks the client to take a deep breath and hold while bearing down, as if having a bowel movement.

​• Positive finding

Increased pain due to increased intrathecal pressure, which may be secondary to a space occupying lesion, herniated disk, tumor, or osteophyte in the cervical canal is a positive finding.

Pain may be localized or referred to the corresponding dermatome.

​• Special considerations & comments

​The increased pressure may alter venous function and cause dizziness or unconsciousness.

The therapist should be prepared to steady the client.

Valsalva's Maneuver, named after Dr. Antonio Maria Valsalva, was originally developed in the field of cardiovascular assessment.

It has since been adapted in lumbar spine testing through contributions from Dr. James Cyriax to evaluate intra-abdominal pressure and nerve compression.