Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Phalen Test

🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Have the patient hold both wrists in full flexion by pressing the backs of the hands together (fingers pointing down) and maintain the position for about 60 seconds. A positive test is tingling or numbness in the thumb, index finder, middle finger, and radial half of the ring finger (the median-nerve distribution).

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Phalen test positive
Rule in
Minimally helpful
Rule out
Minimally helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Dabbagh A, MacDermid JC, Yong J, Packham TL, Grewal R, Boutsikari EC. Diagnostic Test Accuracy of Provocative Maneuvers for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Ther. 2023 Jun 5;103(6):pzad029. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzad029. PMID 37366626.
  • Phalen GS. The carpal-tunnel syndrome. Seventeen years' experience in diagnosis and treatment of six hundred fifty-four hands. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1966;48(2):211-228.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

Related Diagnoses

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Related Systems / Regions

NeurologicalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
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Rule in:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome, NHMalnutrition, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
Rule out:SHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome, ICMalnutrition, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
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Rule out:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Rule out:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, NHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
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