Orthopedic Tests:
Lasegue’s Sign or Straight Leg Raise Test
Have your client lying supine and raise their leg keeping the knee straight. If you client experiences pain before the leg is raised to 60 degrees, that may indicate compression or irritation of the nerve roots for the sciatic nerve.
Bragard’s Sign
Raise your client’s leg until discomfort or pain is felt, then lower the leg below the pain threshold and take your client’s foot into dorsiflexion. If the pain returns that indicates nerve root compression. This test may also be done with adduction and internal rotation of your client’s femur.
If either test is positive, nerve glide techniques may be helpful.