REVERSE PHALEN TEST

​TEST POSITIONING

The client stands or sits with the palmer aspect of both hands in full contact so that both wrists are maximally extended.

ACTION

A steady compressive force is applied through the client's forearms so that the client's wrists are maximally extended for 1 minute.

POSITIVE FINDING

Numbness and tingling in the median nerve distribution of the fingers (ie thumb, index finger, middle finger and lateral aspect of the ring finger) are indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to median nerve compression.

CONSIDERATIONS & COMMENTS

Pain in the wrist area without complaints of radiating pain distally toward the hand and fingers, may be indicative of carpal bone pathology