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3.5.3B. Specific techniąue to increase dorsal flexion of the atlas on the axis.

P sitting. Alternative grip.

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 from the dorsal aspect. Ts left hand grips around the right side of P’s head with the little finger along the posterior arch of P’s atlas, and hand positioned to avoid uncomfortable pressure on P’s mandible, palm cupped over P’s ear. P’s head is fixed between T’s left hand and chest, and P’s chin is fixed in the crook of Ts left elbow.

Procedurę: Using this grip, T applies traction, and then maintaining this traction, moves his/her body to gradually and fully dorsally flex P’s atlas on the stabilized axis. In this movement, P’s occiput presses the posterior arch of the atlas caudally against the spinous process of the axis, achieving the desired dorsal flexion.

Stimulation of Antagonists: T retains grip, and asks P to look upwards, thrust chin out, and dorsally flex in the direction just stretched. T resists that movement to stimulate P’s antagonists.

Notę: This technique may be performed only if the mandible, teeth and temporo-mandibular joint can tolerate the force applied.

Fig. 34 b. Finał Position.

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