{"id":11154,"date":"2022-07-28T15:26:16","date_gmt":"2022-07-28T13:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.physiotutors.com\/?post_type=wiki&p=11154"},"modified":"2022-07-28T15:26:16","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T13:26:16","slug":"cyriax-release-test","status":"publish","type":"wiki","link":"https:\/\/www.physiotutors.com\/wiki\/cyriax-release-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyriax Release Test"},"featured_media":11155,"template":"","class_list":["post-11154","wiki","type-wiki","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"page-header-detail-page","background":{"background_image":11155,"background_image_alt_text":"Cyriax Release Test"},"heading":"Cyriax Release Test | TOS Assessment","subheading":"Thoracic Spine Assessment","content_editor":"","button_type":"internal_link","button_label":"Check our shop","button_style":"button-five","button_internal_link":4646,"button_anchor":"","button_url":"","button_file":"","label":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"submenu","links":[{"button_type":"anchor","button_label":"Learn","button_internal_link":null,"button_anchor":"section-number-3","button_url":"","button_file":null},{"button_type":"anchor","button_label":"Assessment E-Book","button_internal_link":null,"button_anchor":"section-number-4","button_url":"","button_file":null},{"button_type":"anchor","button_label":"Reviews","button_internal_link":null,"button_anchor":"section-number-5","button_url":"","button_file":null}],"dropdown_label":"Go to","button_right":{"button_type":"internal_link","button_label":"Become a member","button_style":"button-three","button_internal_link":16662,"button_anchor":"","button_url":"","button_file":""},"button_description":"Find this wiki on the Physiotutors platform"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content-content","section_options":{"vertical_alignment":"top","column_right_box":false,"column_left_width":"col-12 col-lg-4 offset"},"column_left":{"content_editor":"

Learn<\/h4>"},"column_right":{"content_editor":"

Cyriax Release Test | Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Assessment<\/h2>\nThoracic Outlet Syndrome is defined as a neurovascular symptom complex associated with compression of the brachial bundle, which includes the brachial plexus and\/or subclavian vessels. This compression may be caused by several anatomical structures in one or more of the following three compartments: the interscalene triangle, the costoclavicular space or retropectoralis minor space.\n\nThe Cyriax Release Test is believed to produce a release of tension or compression of the neurovascular bundle of the brachial plexus at all 3 intervals of the thoracic outlet.\nAccording to Brism\u00e9e et al. in the year 2004, the Cyriax Release Test had a specificity of 97,4% when held for 1 minute and a specificity of 87,8% at 3 minutes. As the authors have not provided any data on sensitivity, the clinical value of this test is still questionable.\n
\n\n[embed]https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kX1mUhyjZwk[\/embed]\n\n<\/div>\nTo perform the test, have the patient in sitting position. The therapist stands behind the patient and grasps under the forearms holding the elbows at approximately 80-90\u00b0, while maintaining the forearms, wrists, and hands in neutral. The therapist then leans the patient\u2019s trunk posteriorly, approximately 15\u00b0 from vertical, and elevates the patient\u2019s shoulder girdle close to end range. This passive shoulder girdle elevation position of both shoulder girdles is held for up to three minutes.\n\nThis test is considered positive if either a release phenomenon occurs or the patient\u2019s familiar symptoms are reproduced.\n\n\"Cyriax\n\nThis test is based on the theory of the release phenomenon, which occurs following decompression of one or more nerve trunks\/ cords. Release of the low-level local compression\/tension allows for a restoration of neural blood flow and normalization of function, which can cause a spontaneous firing of the large myelinated\u00a0sensory fibers. It has been suggested that paresthesia is the most common symptom reported with the release phenomenon, followed by numbness, then pain.\n\n \n\n[cta]\n\n \n\nOther common tests to assess for TOS are:\n