Elbow / Forearm MMT

Question 1

Elbow Flexion

Answer 1

Client is sitting with arm at the side
Position of the forearm determines which muscle is working primarily: forearm in supination (biceps brachii)
“Bend your elbow to touch your shoulder, and do not let me pull it back down”
Stabilize the distal end of the humerus during the action. While applying resistance, provide counterpressure at the front of the shoulder
Place hand on distal end of the forearm and pull out toward extension
Prime movers: biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis
Gravity Eliminated: sitting with arm supported on therapist in 90° of abduction and elbow extension

Question 2

Elbow Extension

Answer 2

Client is prone with humerus abducted 90°. The elbow is flexed, and forearm is hanging over edge of the table
“Straighten your arm, and do not let me push it back down”
Support the arm under the anterior surface of the distal humerus
Apply resistance with the elbow at 10°-15° less than full extension. The hand is placed on the dorsal surface of the patient’s forearm
Prime mover: triceps
Gravity eliminated: sitting with the humerus supported by the therapist in 90° of abduction with elbow fully flexed

Question 3

Forearm Pronation

Answer 3

Client is sitting with humerus adducted, elbow flexed 90°, and forearm supinated.
“Turn your palm to the floor, and do not let me turn it back over”
The distal humerus is stabilized to keep it adducted to the body
Use lumbrical grip on the client’s volar wrist. The therapist applies resistance in the direction of supination
Prime movers: pronator teres and pronator quadratus
Gravity eliminated: sitting with humerus flexed to 90°. Elbow is flexed to 90° and forearm is in full supination

Question 4

Forearm Supination

Answer 4

Client is sitting with humerus adducted, elbow flexed 90° and forearm pronated
“Turn your palm up toward the ceiling and do not let me turn it back ove”
The distal humerus is stabilized
Same as for pronation except resistance is in the direction of pronation
Prime movers: supinator and biceps
Gravity eliminated: sitting with humerus flexed to 90°. Elbow is flexed to 90° and forearm is in full pronation