Posturally, to support the body in a full upright extension position, to prevent ‘fetal’ position
Except for the hamstrings, the overall activity is extension and hyperextension
Compensation patterns associated with the line
Ankle dorsiflexion limitation
Knee hyperextension
Hamstring shortness
Posterior pelvic tilt
Anterior pelvic shift
Sacral nutation
Atlanto-occipital limitation in form of upper cervical hyperextension
Anterior shift or rotation of the occiput on the atlas
Evaluation of integrity of line
Client position
Seated with both feet on the ground. Upright position with head facing straight forward
Therapist position
Stand on the lateral side of the patient evaluating the quality of movement during the test
Movement
Ask the patient to slowly lower his/her chin to the chest, while you evaluate the movement vertebrae for vertebrae while the head flexes. Each level should be moving individually before the next level begins it's movement, further attention should be paid to an area if two or more levels move simultaneously.
In severe cases, look for flexion of hips or the spine moving as a whole
MUSCLES AND THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT ZONES
Dorsal line - neck and head
Dorsal line - with obliquus capitis. Note! The obliquus capitis muscles is not part of the dorsal line, but is relevant for atlas therapy
