College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

During the Phalen's Test, how are the patient's palms positioned?

1. Toward one another

2. Away from one another

3. Parallel to the ground

4. Opposite each other

The correct answer is: Away from one another

During Phalen's Test, the patient is instructed to position their palms away from one another, effectively pressing the backs of their hands together. This maneuver is specifically designed to elicit symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, as it places the median nerve under increased pressure within the carpal tunnel. When the wrists are flexed at a 90-degree angle, the position can reproduce symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the areas innervated by the median nerve. The other options do not accurately describe the positioning of the hands in Phalen's Test. For instance, if the palms are toward one another, it would not create the necessary flexion of the wrists that helps in diagnosing the condition. Similarly, having the palms parallel to the ground or opposite each other would not achieve the intended compression of the median nerve, thereby failing to provide the necessary clinical information.