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DRThe Thomas test is a physical examination technique used in physical therapy to assess the LENGTH of your hip flexors and quadriceps. 🦵🏼
If you’re one of my patients - you know how often we utilize this test and my favorite way to check if someone’s done their homework 😉
It’s helpful to know whether you should be spending time increasing flexibility of your hip flexors or quadriceps, for time purposes and to know about your body!
Perform this on a box, bench, or bed in front of a mirror or film it 90 degrees from the side 📸
To interpret the results:
➡️ NORMAL (NEGATIVE): The extended leg remains flat on the table, this indicates normal hip flexor length. For quadriceps, the knee joint angle should be less than 100 degrees to classify as normal length.
➡️ POSITIVE HIP FLEXORS: If the extended leg raises off the table, indicates tightness in the hip flexors.
➡️ POSITIVE QUADRICEPS: The extended legs knee joint angle is greater than 100 degrees, indicates shortened quadriceps.
➡️ BOTH (+) HIP FLEXOR & QUAD: Extended leg is both raised off the table and the knee joint angle is greater than 100 degrees. Likely a lot of involvement from the Rectus femoris - your quad muscle that spans 2 joints and works as both a hip flexor and knee extender.
Remember this test is looking at LENGTH, just because the muscle might be short - does not mean it’s strong. It can be short because it’s weak too. Only you will be able to answer that question! 🙋🏼♀️
If you’d like to know my favorite hip flexor and quadricep stretches & strengthening exercises - drop a comment below ⬇️
Take advantage of your health and learn your body! You live in it all day!
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