If I left you hanging from the previous post,
I do apologize. It has been a busy summer with
taking a medical diagnostics course, teaching,
family activities and life in general.

As a follow up to the previous post here are the
ideal elbow movement patterns using 4 base clinical tests.

So the next time you are faced with a client who presents
with lateral epicondylitis, try looking at these movement patterns
and observe for uncontrolled movement or “Give”.

Four Base Elbow Movement Pattern Tests:

(Try these on yourself)

1. Elbow Flexion – Extension Test
Neutral forearm - ideal movement pattern is without radial or ulnar
deviation or wrist extension or pronation

Pronated Forearm - ideal pattern is without wrist extension,
radial deviation, excessive pronation, glenohumeral external
rotation or glenohumeral adduction

Supinated Forearm - ideal pattern is without wrist flexion
and ulnar deviation, wrist extension with ulnar deviation,
glenohumeral external rotation, glenohumeral adduction

2. Pronation – Supination Test
ideal movement pattern is without ulnar or radial deviation,
GH ER/ADD or GH IR/ABD, elbow flexion or extension, thumb
flexion or extension.

3. Wrist Flexion – Extension Test
ideal movement pattern is without radial or ulnar deviation,
thumb flexion or extension, elbow movement, pronation or supination.

4. Finger Flexion – Extension
ideal pattern is without ulnar or radial deviation, excessive wrist
flexion or metacarpalphalangeal hyperextension or elbow movement

If uncontrolled movement or “Give” is observed then there may
exist a restriction at the elbow joint. If so, perhaps some manual
therapy techniques may be indicated, but it should also be
followed up with some elbow muscle stabilization exercises.

Part 3 will cover the elbow stabilization exercises.

To Your Manual Therapy Success.

Please comment and share with your colleagues!