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3.2.3A.

Specific technique to increase ven-tral flexion of the atlas on the axis.

P sitting.

Starting Position: P: Sitting; left side of head supported against T's left shoulder and chest. T: Standing facing P’s left side.

Grip: T's right index finger and thumb stabilize P’s axis. T’s left hand grips around the right side of P’s head with the little finger along the posterior arch of P’s atlas. P’s head is held firmly between Ts left hand and T’s chest, chin in crook of Ts elbow. For comfort, T’s left palm cups over P’s ear, with the hand positioned to avoid pressure on P’s man-dible.

Fig. 18 b. Finał Position.

Procedurę: Using this grip, T applies traction, and Fig. 18 a. Starting Position. then maintaining this traction, moves his/her body with P’s head to gradually and fully ventrally flex P’s atlas on the axis. T’s right hand also pushes P’s axis ventrally and caudally.

Stimulation of Antagonists: T retains grip. T then asks P to look downward, tuck chin in, and move his/her head further in the direction of stretching.

T resists that movement to stimulate P’s antagonists.

Notę: The transverse ligament of the atlas may be pathologically weakened. If so, it must not be strained by the procedurę. T avoids strain by simultaneously moving P’s head dorsally while ventrally flexing, which causes P’s occiput and atlas to dorsally glide on the axis. The odontoid process (dens) is then pressed against the anterior arch of the atlas, which prevents pressure on the transverse ligament.

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