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3.2.2C.

Specific techniąue to increase ven-tral flexion of the occiput on the atlas.

P supine.

Starting Position: P: Supine; head beyond end of couch with atlas at the edge.

T: Standing at head of couch.

Grip: T's right hand grips P's occiput with wrist and forearm supporting P’s head. Ts right shoulder presses against P’s forehead, without pressing on P’s nose or eyes. (If P finds this grip uncomfortable, a smali cushion may be placed between T’s right shoulder and P’s forehead). T's left hand rests, vertical and stable, against the couch. firmly and rigidly under P’s neck, with the posterior arch of P’s atlas lying against the radial aspect of T’s 2nd metacarpal bonę and index finger.

Fig. 17 a. Starting Position.

Procedurę: Using this grip, T applies traction, and then maintaining this traction, moves his/her body with P’s head to gradually and fully ventrally flex P’s occiput on the atlas. T also uses right shoulder to push against P’s forehead to produce a dorsal glide of the occipital condyles on the atlas, thus moving P's atlas ventrally.

Stimulation of Antagonists: T retains grip. T then asks P to look downward, tuck chin in, and move the head further in the direction of stretching. T resists that movement to stimulate P’s antagonists.

Notę: If P cannot tolerate supine position, treat in a sitting position, see the preceding two therapies, 3.2.2A and 3.2.2B, pp. 31 and 32.

Fig. 17 b. Finał Position.

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