ATNR COURSE I

 

Meet Greg. He has been working for a while on left sided ATNR. We are rechecking his progress. At the end of the lesson is an assessment chart. A copy is in the Resource tab of the Member’s Area. You can get a copy and follow along or watch first.

ATNR Assessment Checks

Observation and History
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
Description
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is an active and passive reaction. During birth, this is the position of rest between phases. At birth, it allows the infant’s head to be turned and a contracted shoulder to be offered so birth is easier. After birth, ATNR is also a position of exploration and defense.  The head turns to the side which causes the arm and leg on the same side to extend, and the opposite arm and leg to pull and bend.  This is commonly called “the fencer pose.”
When observing and checking for ATNR, remember that there are several possibilities:

  • ·       The shoulder and hip on one side are hyperactive and contracted and the other side is typical.

  • ·       The shoulder and hip on one side are hyperactive and contracted and the other side is hypoactive and not activating.

  • ·       Or both sides are hyperactive when the head is turned.

·       Another factor is whether the contraction can be pulled out or rectified when the head comes back to center. If the leg stays in contraction, the issue is stronger.
Look at Greg. Can you see the subtle asymmetries?

Above is a picture of a person to analyze. Here’s a short history. This is Greg. He has had a program and has worked some on the ATNR pattern but is still working on the pattern. His issue is more subtle than some you might see.

  • Shoulders: Look for one shoulder higher than another

           My observation: Greg’s left shoulder is higher than the left.

  • Hips: Look for uneven or ‘cocked’ angle

    My observation:   Greg’s hips are more even then in the past. He doesn’t stand with his weight on one leg.

  • Knees: Look for locked or one locked and other bent

      My observation: Greg’s pants block looking at his knees, but the creases in the pants look smoother on the   contracted left side. This is a tentative observation.

  • Feet: Look for pronation on one or both feet and also flat arches, one foot always in front.

      My observation: Greg’s right foot is noticeably more to the front.

  •  Arms: Look for hyperextension on one or both arms and also for differences

          My observation:  Greg’s left arm looks shorter than the right because it is bend more and in more     contraction.

  • Legs: Look for ‘pillar’ leg and differences on one side or both

          My observation:  Greg’s legs cannot be noted here.

Now look at the face.

Look for asymmetry of the eyes, ears, mouth, cheeks, and mouth.

Greg is not highly asymmetrical, but one can see that the left side is being pulled.