The Cyriax technique goes back to the British orthopaedic physician James Cyriax and is a historically important forerunner of modern orthopaedic medicine. It combines a systematic clinical examination with targeted manual techniques.
The examination includes selective tension testing with active, passive and resisted movements as well as standardised functional tests. Therapeutically, deep transverse frictions at tendons, ligaments and muscle insertions and manipulative techniques at the spine are established. The indications and limitations of the individual procedures are assessed critically over the course of treatment.