56 (315)

3.5.5C.

Non-specific technique for the deep ventral muscles to increase dorsal flexion(mainly the longus capitis).

P sitting.

Starting Position: P: Sitting; mouth opened and upper thoracic region well supported. T: Standing facing P’s left side.

Grip: P’s head is firmly fixed between T’s left hand and chest. T’s left palm cups comfortably over P’s right ear, with hand and arm positioned to avoid uncomfortable pressure on P’s mandible. T’s right hand stabilizes P's C6 and caudal vertebrae, from the dorsal aspect.

Procedurę: Using this grip, T applies traction, and then maintaining this traction, moves his/her body to gradually and fully dorsally flex P’s cervical spine, from the occiput through the C5-C6 segment.

Stimulation of Antagonists: T retains grip, asks P to look upwards and rearwards, and then move head and cervical spine in the direction just stretched. T resists that movement to stimulate P's antagonists.

Notes: The longus capitis inserts at C6, so P’s cervical spine should be stabilized at and caudal to C6.

During treatment, P’s mouth should be kept open, with the lower jaw relaxed, to prevent interfer-ence from the superficial ventral muscles.

Fig. 40 b. Finał Position.

56