CERVICAL SPINE C0/1

■ C0/1 flexion – neck slightly retracted, nodding the head on a still neck. Move just in and out of the first onset of stretch (S1) or the first perception of stiffness - repeat three times ■ C0/1 lateral flexion – move just in and out of

stretch or

stiffness in neutral (no flexion or extension). Repeat three times on the left and right.

C1/2 ■ C 1/2 rotation – move just in and out of S1 or stiffness, repeat three times on the left and right

■ C 1/2 rotation in mid cervical flexion, repeat three times on the left and right

C2/3 – C6/7 In self-mobilising joints C2/3 – C6/7, consider moving in both lateral flexion and rotation planes simultaneously, due to the coupled segmental motion. This will give more effective outcomes with less chance of aggravation. You can describe this as follows 'Take your ear toward your shoulder and as you start this motion take your nose toward your same side (‘psilateral) armpit’.

SUMMARY If positive change is occurring with your treatment, that is reduced pain and/or symptoms and restoration of restricted move- ment, that is sufficient clinical evidence to confidently continue treatment until goals are achieved. If there is no change you will

need to reconsider your management plan and this may include a referral to a doctor or physiotherapist to clarify diagnosis or to a specialist spinal practitioner for assessment and treatment.

THE AUTHOR

Rob is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most respected and experienced educators and practitioners of soft tissue therapy. Rob is co-founder of the Australasian College of Soft Tissue Therapy and was a contributor to the internationally successful, Brukner & Khan textbook “Clinical Sports Medicine” now in its 3rd edition. He was head of massage therapy for the Australian Olympic Team in 1996 & 2000 and the Australian Commonwealth Games team in 1998. Rob also co-ordinated massage therapy services and the athlete recovery centre for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. Rob currently consults from his own private practice in Melbourne and is a teacher in the Myotherapy Dept at RMIT University Melbourne.

References 1. Neumann DA. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System, Mosby 2002. ISBN 0815163495 2. Mayer T. Brady S, Bovasso E, et al; Non invasive measurement of Cervical tri-planar motion in normal subjects. Spine 1994; 18:2191 3. Corrigan B and Maitland GD. Vertebral Muculoskeletal Disorders Butterworth-Heinemann 1998 4. Greenman PE. Principles of Manual Medicine 3rd Edition Williams & Wilkins 2003. ISBN-10: 0781741874

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