Cranial Strains Lab

Question 1

When you palpate the cranium, you’re trying to observe RRADS - what does that stand for?

Answer 1

R- RATE of cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI); 10-12 is normal
R- RHYTHM = steady vs irregular
A- AMPLITUDE = small vs large motion
D- DIRECTION = equal throughout or asymmetrical
S- STRENGTH = force of motion

Question 2

What are the three main contacts of palpation (type of hand holds) for the cranium?

Answer 2

1. Vault Contact
2. Becker Contact
3. Fronto-occipital Contact

Question 3

Hand placement for vault contact

Answer 3

1. Index fingers = on greater sphenoid wings just posterior to frontozygomatic suture
2. Middle fingers = anterior to ear
3. Ring fingers = posterior to ear on mastoid process
4. Pinky fingers = rest or reaches back to occiput
5. Thumbs = gently contact frontal, hover above or rest contacting your own 2nd MCP

Question 4

Hand placement for Frontal-Occipital Contact

Answer 4

POSTERIOR CONTACT: OCCIPITAL HAND
- rests upon the table cradling the patient’s head and occiput

ANTERIOR CONTACT: FRONTAL HAND

• thumb pad on one greater sphenoid wing (just inferior to frontozygomatic suture)
• index or middle finger pad on other greater sphenoid wing
• palm rests gently on anterior aspect of frontal bone

Question 5

Hand placement for Becker Contact

Answer 5

1. Thumb = on greater sphenoid wings (just inferior to fontozygomatic suture)
2. Index fingers = rest on mastoid processess
3. Middle to Pinky fingers = rest on occiput with middle finger posterior to OM suture
4. Palms = cup occiput and posterior aspect of parietals