Gaenslen Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 3
Gaenslens test

What is the "Gaenslen Test" used for?

Gaenslen’s test can indicate:

  1. The presence or absence of a SIJ lesion.
  2. Pubic symphysis instability.
  3. Hip pathology
  4. L4 nerve root lesion.
  5. It can also stress the femoral nerve.

How to perform the "Gaenslen Test"?

  • The patient begins positioned in supine with the painful leg resting on the edge of the treatment table.
  • The examiner sagitally flexes the non symptomatic hip, while the knee also flexed (up to 90 degrees).
  • The patient should hold the non-tested (asymptomatic) leg with both arms while the therapist stabilizes the pelvis and applies passive pressure to the leg being tested (symptomatic) to hold it in a hyperextended position.
  • A downward force is applied to the lower leg (symptomatic side) putting it into hyperextension at the hip, while a flexion based counterforce is applied to the flexed leg pushing it in the cephalad direction causing torque to the pelvis.

What is the positive result?

  • The test is considered positive if the patient’s normal pain is reproduced.

References