I know for me, during the PT evaluation, they did a traction test and also a compression test - testing the c spine - since I had some osteophytes/spurs @ C5-5-6 showing on the MRI & xrays.

They did some simple downward pressures and pulling upward and then a few side to side and turned head positions with pressures to see if any pain or symptoms were increased or decreased from the pressure or positions of my head/neck.
none of those had any effect at all for me -so C spine was ruled out as a cause for my arm, neck, hand symptoms.

Of course the PTs that did do this testing - one was a spine rehab spec and one was a teacher of PT - so both were advanced in learning.
My chiro did similar tests when I first went to him too.