LQ Muscle & Soft Tissue Length

Question 1

Thomas Test
(Detects hip flexor tightness or hip joint capsular contracture)

Answer 1

• POSITION: sitting at end of table thighs 1/2 way off, roll pt back to supine while holding both knees; PT positions hip in neutral position
• PASSIVE extension of one hip towards table, keeping hand supinated while the pt holds the other knee to maintain flat back
• Assess END-FEEL; passively flex knee to test for rectus femoris tightness
• PALPATE if positive
  SA: lateral midline of trunk
  F: greater trochanter
  MA: lateral epicondyle of femur
• MEASURE amount of hip extension if positive
• Avoid flexion of lumbar; maintain flat back!

Question 2

Ely’s Test (Rectus femoris - hip flexor)

Answer 2

• POSITION: prone
• ACTIVE/ PASSIVE flexion of knee
• Assess END-FEEL
• PALPATE
  SA: Greater trochanter
  F: Lateral epicondyle of femur
  MA: Lateral malleolus
• MEASURE knee flexion
• Avoid hip flexion on same side being assessed

Question 3

Ober’s Test - Knee extended (IT Band, Glut Med, TFL)

Answer 3

• POSITION: side lying, facing away from PT; lower knee bent slightly
• PASSIVE flexion of knee
• Assess END-FEEL
• PALPATE
  SA: Greater trochanter
  F: Lateral epicondyle of femur
  MA: Lateral malleolus
• MEASURE knee flexion
• Avoid hip flexion on same side being assessed