What changes when Kaltenborn–Evjenth Mobilization meets the elbow? Start with the patient's movement, assess safely, and see what the re-test reveals.
2 specific variationsClinical re-test built in
Important: this is a clinical framework, not a complete technique protocol.
This page was generated from broader regional principles. It can help you frame assessment, patient comfort, safety and reassessment, but its generic positioning, contact and dosage text must not be treated as technique-specific hands-on instruction. Study a detailed, individually authored procedure and use supervised practical training.
Each variation below is written so you can follow patient setup, contact, direction, dose and the re-test that decides whether the technique earned a place in the plan.
01
ElbowUlnohumeral joint
Ulnohumeral Traction — Kaltenborn
One question matters more than the name of this variation: will the patient notice a useful change in Elbow pain, flexion/extension and joint-play feel.? The careful re-test gets the final word.
The change we are looking for
Grade I for decompression, Grade II to take up slack and Grade III for sustained capsular stretch when appropriate.
Primary target
Ulnohumeral joint
The movement that tells us
Elbow pain, flexion/extension and joint-play feel.
Patient focus
Grade I for decompression, Grade II to take up slack and Grade III for sustained capsular stretch when appropriate.
Therapist verifies
Elbow pain, flexion/extension and joint-play feel.
Success signal
Keep the technique only if the re-test shows a meaningful improvement in elbow pain, flexion/extension and joint-play feel. without symptom worsening.
Full clinical application
1
Position the patient
Sitting or supine with the elbow in a relaxed treatment position.
2
Set the contact
Stabilize the humerus and grasp the proximal ulna/forearm close to the joint.
3
Apply the technique
Apply sustained traction perpendicular to the joint treatment plane.
4
Dose & re-test
10–30 second holds × 3–5, grade matched to irritability. Re-test: Elbow pain, flexion/extension and joint-play feel.
Clinical pearl
Kaltenborn traction is sustained and translatoric; do not turn it into large rhythmic oscillations.
Safety / avoid
Avoid acute instability or fracture.
02
ElbowProximal radioulnar joint
Radial Head Translatoric Glide
One question matters more than the name of this variation: will the patient notice a useful change in Pronation/supination.? The careful re-test gets the final word.
The change we are looking for
Improve forearm rotation when a specific radial-head glide is restricted.
Primary target
Proximal radioulnar joint
The movement that tells us
Pronation/supination.
Patient focus
Improve forearm rotation when a specific radial-head glide is restricted.
Therapist verifies
Pronation/supination.
Success signal
Keep the technique only if the re-test shows a meaningful improvement in pronation/supination. without symptom worsening.
Full clinical application
1
Position the patient
Elbow supported in slight flexion with forearm relaxed.
2
Set the contact
Stabilize ulna and contact the radial head close to the joint line.
3
Apply the technique
Apply a sustained AP or PA glide parallel to the treatment plane, selected from the motion restriction.
4
Dose & re-test
10–20 second holds × 3–5. Re-test: Pronation/supination.
Clinical pearl
Use small precise movement; the radial head should glide, not the entire forearm.
Safety / avoid
Stop with nerve-type symptoms.
Safety / do not apply when…
Avoid aggressive treatment with suspected fracture, unstable ligament injury, acute nerve irritation or major swelling.
Stop or modify if symptoms peripheralize, neurological status worsens, the response is disproportionate or the patient asks to stop.
Clinical rule
A technically correct technique is not automatically a useful technique. Keep it only when the patient's pain, range or function improves in a clinically meaningful way, then transfer that gain into active movement, loading or self-management.
