First the sternocleidomastoid.
-“Turn your head that way.”
I’m testing the right sternocleidomastoid when he turns to the left.
-“Keep your head that way.”
I stabilize his body with this hand, so that I don’t pull him over, and then I pull.
-“Don’t let me pull. Excellent. Now turn this way.”
Stabilize here.
-“Don’t let me pull. Excellent.”
He has normal sternocleidomastoids. Now, the shoulder shrugs, or trapezius testing.
-“Look at me here, sir. Can you shrug your shoulders like this?” Don’t let me push. Excellent.”
You have to test the trapezius on each side together, or else you’ll tip the patient over.