Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00203:clause:1_361
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00203
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 361
Character Range: 280743–281419

361     To differentiate true muscle spasm from voluntary muscle contraction, the individual should not be able to relax the contractions. The spasm should be present standing, as well as in the supine position, and frequently causes a scoliosis. The physician can sometimes differentiate spasm from voluntary contraction by asking the individual to place all their weight first on one foot, and then the other, while the physician gently palpates the paraspinous muscles. With this manoeuvre, the individual normally relaxes the paraspinal muscles on the weight-bearing side. If the assessor witnesses this relaxation, it usually means that true muscle spasm is not present.