75 (197)

3.8.1C. Specific techniąue to increase rota-tion to the right and lateral flexion to the left of the occiput on the atlas.

P supine.

Starting Position: P: Supine; head beyond end of couch with the atlas positioned at couch edge; shoulders and thorax may be stabilized with a belt. T: Standing at head of couch, to the right of P’s head.

Grip: The tip of T’s right index finger stabilizes the ventral aspect of the left transverse process of P’s atlas, preventing it from rotating to the right.

The rest of T’s right index finger and thumb lie along the posterior arch of P’s atlas. T’s left hand grips the left side of P’s occiput, stabilizing P's head against T’s chest and left shoulder. P's left ear should lie comfortably in the palm of T’s left hand. and T’s arm should be positioned to prevent uncomfortable pressure on P’s mandible.

Procedurę: Using this grip, T applies traction, and then maintaining this traction, gradually and fully rotates to the right and laterally flexes P’s occiput on the atlas to the left. T stabilizes P's atlas from the ventral aspect with the right index finger and from the dorsal aspect with the right thumb, thus allowing the occipital condyles to glide and rotate to the right on the atlas.

Stimulation of Antagonists: T retains grip, and asks P to look upwards, to the right, and rearwards, and then move his/her head further in the direction just stretched. T resists that move-ment to stimulate P’s antagonists.

Notę: This techniąue (with P supine) is among the morę difficult for therapists to master. Therefore, it is best to use the previous techniąues, 3.8.1A and 3.8.IB, pp. 73 and 74, with P sitting, whenever possible, because of their simplicity and effectiveness.

Fig. 59 a. Starting Position.

Fig. 59 b. Finał Position.