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 is named after Antonio Maria Valsalva, an Italian anatomist, whose initial work laid the groundwork for its use.

Contributions from Dr. John C. Henshaw and Dr. William W. MacKenzie have refined its application in clinical settings.