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MYOFASCIAL TECHNIQUES To assess cervical translation, cradle and move the head together with the vertebrae above the individual vertebra being assessed. In this case, left translation of C4 is being assessed. Not visible from this angle are the finger pads isolating the translation movement at a single cervical vertebra (as in Image 6). It can help to imagine the vertebrae like a stack of coins; hold and move the whole stack above the individual coin, or vertebra, that you want to assess. similar technique to make sure her client's neck was adaptable, long, and free at the end of her sessions. LATERAL CERVICAL TRANSLATION TECHNIQUE The deepest soft-tissue structures of the neck, such as the zygapophyseal (or facet) joint capsules and ligaments, can be primary sources of pain and movement restriction long after a whiplash injury has occurred. Once the inflammation of the original injury has settled, restoring mobility to these deep structures can provide significant relief. Lateral translation refers to side- to-side movement of one vertebra in relation to another. In order to check for deep soft-tissue restrictions, we'll feel for the freedom of this important movement at each vertebra, since the other movements of the neck—flexion/extension, rotation, and lateral bending—will be affected by the same connective tissues that restrict translation. Any of several deep structures can be involved: the facet joint capsules, the ligamentum flavum, as well as the small intertransverse ligaments and muscles (Images 4 and 7). The ligamentous structures surrounding a cervical vertebra. The purple arrow indicates placement and direction of gentle pressure for the release phase of the Translation technique (shown in Images 5 and 6). Source image courtesy of Primal Pictures. Used with permission. These very deep structures are difficult to palpate directly, but using translation allows us to effectively assess and release any of the structures that are restricting free motion. To perform the technique, begin by gently feeling for the boniest lateral projections of the cervical vertebrae, at and just posterior to the lateral midline of the cervical spine. These projections are the small transverse processes, and the articular processes just behind them. Together, these lateral protrusions form a relatively wide platform for your touch (Image 4). Don't worry about being too exact— simply feel for the most prominent bony lateral projection. Next, using the broad, soft pads of several fingers on these projections, feel for straight side-to-side movement of each cervical vertebra. Stay broad and soft; avoid poking. Although you'll want to feel for isolated movement at each 112 massage & bodywork may/june 2010 individual vertebra, do this by cradling and moving the head together with the entire cervical spine above (cephalad to) the vertebra you're assessing (Image 3). Assess the entire length of the neck before trying to release individual restrictions; assess each vertebra in turn, for both left and right translation. I find it easier to be thorough by starting at the base of the neck and working upward. Typically, you'll find that some vertebrae translate easier to one side than the other. If there's been a whiplash injury, these left-right differences are often quite pronounced. Beginning with one of the most restricted vertebrae, encourage easier translation in the restricted direction by sidebending the neck around the fulcrum of your touch (Images 5 and 6). This is a direct approach—in