Elbow Tests

Question 1

Ligamentous Valgus Test

Answer 1

• for medial collateral ligament laxity
• stabilize clients arm with one hand and the other hand above the clients wrist with clients elbow slightly flexed, apply an abduction or valgus (backwards L) force
• positive: excessive movement, decreased mobility, altered pain

Question 2

Mill’s

Answer 2

• test lateral epichondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
• passively pronate the arm, flex the wrist, and extend elbow while palpating lateral epichondyle
• positive: pain over lateral epichondyle

Question 3

Pronator Teres Syndrome

Answer 3

• tests for median nerve impingement
• clients elbow flexed at 90°, strongly resist pronation as elbow extends
• positive: tingling or paresthesia in the nerve in the forearm and hand (1-4, palm of hand)

Question 4

Reverse Mill’s

Answer 4

• assess medial epichondyle for tendonitis of the common flexor tendon (Golfer’s Elbow)
• passively extend wrist with elbow in extension
• positive: pain local to common flexor tendon