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3.5.3C.

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

P supine.

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

Grip: T’s right hand grips P's occiput and atlas, thumb stabilizing the ventral aspect of the right transverse process of P’s atlas, 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 vertically on the couch, rigidly under P's neck. to stabilize the spinous process of P's axis against the radial aspect of T's left 2nd metacarpal bonę and index finger, thumb stabilizing the ventral aspect of the left transverse process of P’s atlas.

Fig. 35 a. Starting Position.

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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 axis. T’s thumbs also puli dorsally against the tranverse processes of P’s atlas to produce a dorsal-cranial glide of the atlas along the odontoid process (dens) of the axis.

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.

Fig. 35 b. Finał Position.

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