Thoracic Spine Exam

What is the primary focus of the subjective examination of the thoracic spine?

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial step in assessing thoracic spine mobility?

When performing range of motion (ROM) testing of the thoracic spine, what action helps to isolate the movement to the thoracic region?

During thoracic spine ROM assessment, when is it MOST appropriate to apply overpressure?

Palpation of the inferior angle of the scapula typically corresponds to which thoracic vertebral level?

Which muscle is NOT directly assessed during strength testing of the thoracic spine?

When performing a central posterior-anterior (PA) glide on the thoracic spine, what is the purpose of the 'dummy' hand?

In performing a unilateral PA glide on the thoracic spine, how does the hand placement differ from a central PA glide?

When performing a first rib inferior glide, what is the recommended positioning of the patient?

During a first rib inferior glide, what is the direction of force applied by the therapist's elbow?

Which of the following outcome measures specifically assesses a patient's perceived functional limitations?

A patient reports that their thoracic pain is exacerbated by deep breathing and twisting motions. Which of the following exam components would be MOST relevant?

Which of the following is the BEST way to assess thoracic extension?

A patient presents with upper back pain and limited shoulder mobility. Which thoracic assessment technique would MOST directly address the potential impact of thoracic posture on shoulder function?

In a patient with suspected thoracic outlet syndrome and upper extremity symptoms, which of the following thoracic ROM assessments would be MOST relevant to evaluate?

What is the primary purpose of assessing thoracic spine joint accessory motion?

A patient reports pain along their ribcage that increases with deep inspiration. Which palpation assessment would be MOST appropriate?

During palpation of the thoracic spine, where would you locate the spinous process of T3?

Which of the following is the PRIMARY goal of strength testing the thoracic paraspinals?

When performing a central PA on a patient with known osteoporosis, which of the following modifications is MOST appropriate?

For a patient presenting with suspected upper rib dysfunction contributing to shoulder impingement, which manual technique would be MOST appropriate to improve scapular mechanics?

A patient reports difficulty with overhead activities due to limited thoracic extension and shoulder mobility. Which of the following muscle groups, when strengthened, would BEST improve thoracic extension?

A clinician is having difficulty palpating the spinous process of T12. Which surface landmark would MOST accurately guide the clinician to this level?

Which of the following conditions would be a CONTRAINDICATION for performing thoracic joint mobilization techniques?

A therapist wants to reassess a patient's thoracic mobility after performing several interventions. Which of the following would be the MOST efficient and reliable method for quantifying changes in thoracic ROM?

A patient with thoracic pain also reports numbness and tingling down the arm. In addition to standard thoracic exam components, what other area of the body should be examined?

Which of the outcome measures is suitable for assessing disability related to neck pain?

A patient presents with thoracic pain that increases with prolonged sitting and improves with standing and walking. Which of the following interventions would be MOST appropriate?

Which of the following is considered the MOST relevant component to include in the patient history of a thoracic spine examination?

During palpation of the anterior chest wall, which structure is assessed to evaluate potential rib dysfunction?