The Thomas test assesses hip muscle contracture and flexibility, useful for medical evaluation, physical therapy, and personal training. Patients lie down and extend one leg to check if the hip flexors are flexible. Orthopedic doctors may use it to diagnose hip problems, and personal trainers can use it to measure progress. Dr. Hugh Owen Thomas invented the test in the 19th century, and it is non-invasive. Additional testing may be necessary if the test reveals a problem.
The Thomas test evaluates a patient for contracture of the muscles around the hip. Known as the hip flexors, these muscles can cause discomfort if they are strained due to injury or congenital deformity. In addition to being used as a medical evaluation tool, the test can also be used in physical therapy and personal training to look for the degree of flexibility in the hip. Periodic measurements can be taken to quantify progress during therapy.
In this test, the patient lies down on a table and pulls both knees towards the chest to align the spine and make sure it is in contact with the table. Using the arms to hold one knee stationary, the leg in question can be extended. The thigh should be able to rest in contact with the table, indicating that the hip flexors are flexible enough to accommodate the movement. Patients can repeat the Thomas test on the other side for reference.
Orthopedic doctors, who focus on the musculoskeletal system, may use a Thomas test in an exam if they suspect the patient has a hip problem. This and other subtle traits can pinpoint the nature of an injury or other problem and can allow your doctor to develop a diagnosis. If the patient has a hip deformity, for example, the muscles may not be able to fully relax, pulling the thigh up so that he cannot rest on the table. Surgery or physical therapy could be considered as options to treat the problem.
Flexibility assessments can also be useful. In Thomas’s test, a personal trainer might take some measurements and record them in the client’s file. Follow-ups can determine if the client is becoming more flexible with stretching and exercise. Failure to improve may indicate that something is wrong or that an exercise regimen is not working effectively for the client. For example, a patient may not be able to cool down after running, which could strain the hamstrings.
Dr. Hugh Owen Thomas, who practiced in the 19th century, is credited with inventing the Thomas test. It is non-invasive, which can make it an excellent tool for a quick physical exam where a doctor doesn’t want to strain or traumatize a patient. If the test reveals that there is a problem, additional options for testing, such as medical imaging to look inside the hip, may be explored if they appear necessary.
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