What changes when Kaltenborn–Evjenth Mobilization meets the wrist & hand? 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
Wrist & HandRadiocarpal joint
Radiocarpal Traction — Kaltenborn
One question matters more than the name of this variation: will the patient notice a useful change in Pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance.? The careful re-test gets the final word.
The change we are looking for
Reduce compression and prepare the wrist for translatoric glides.
Primary target
Radiocarpal joint
The movement that tells us
Pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance.
Patient focus
Reduce compression and prepare the wrist for translatoric glides.
Therapist verifies
Pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance.
Success signal
Keep the technique only if the re-test shows a meaningful improvement in pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance. without symptom worsening.
Full clinical application
1
Position the patient
Sitting with forearm supported and wrist just off the table.
2
Set the contact
Stabilize distal radius/ulna and grasp the proximal carpal row/hand close to the joint.
3
Apply the technique
Apply sustained distraction perpendicular to the radiocarpal treatment plane.
4
Dose & re-test
10–20 second holds × 3–5. Re-test: Pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance.
Clinical pearl
Traction should occur at the joint, not by pulling the fingers.
Safety / avoid
Avoid acute fracture or carpal instability.
02
Wrist & HandProximal carpal row
Radiocarpal Dorsal / Volar Translatoric Glide
One question matters more than the name of this variation: will the patient notice a useful change in Wrist flexion/extension and the patient's task.? The careful re-test gets the final word.
The change we are looking for
Improve flexion or extension using a sustained translatoric glide.
Primary target
Proximal carpal row
The movement that tells us
Wrist flexion/extension and the patient's task.
Patient focus
Improve flexion or extension using a sustained translatoric glide.
Therapist verifies
Wrist flexion/extension and the patient's task.
Success signal
Keep the technique only if the re-test shows a meaningful improvement in wrist flexion/extension and the patient's task. without symptom worsening.
Full clinical application
1
Position the patient
Forearm supported with the wrist relaxed.
2
Set the contact
Stabilize radius/ulna and contact the proximal carpal row.
3
Apply the technique
Use dorsal glide for flexion restriction or volar glide for extension restriction, then verify with re-test.
4
Dose & re-test
10–20 second holds × 3–5. Re-test: Wrist flexion/extension and the patient's task.
Clinical pearl
Biomechanical direction is a starting hypothesis—the patient's response confirms whether the glide is worth keeping.
Safety / avoid
Respect ligament injury and postoperative precautions.
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.
