University of Scranton - Department of Physical Therapy
Edmund M. Kosmahl, PT, EdD
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PT351 ORTHOPAEDIC PT
LABORATORY SKILL
Dr. E. Kosmahl
PASSIVE INTERVERTEBRAL MOTION TESTING
LUMBAR ROTATION

Lumbar Rotation PIVMT
Purpose
  • To evaluate side bending mobility between individual lumbar vertebrae
Positive Response
  • Hypo (or hyper) mobility as compared to adjacent segments
Technique
  • Patient prone - use pillows or table break to position patient in lumbar flexion
  • Place palpating finger on the side (toward the examiner) of two adjacent spinous processes
  • Lift opposite ASIS until lower spinous process begins to move

  • Begin with lowest segment (L5-S1) an proceed cephaled to examine each segment
Comments
  • Be sure patient is relaxed (no muscle activity)

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