Thoracic Spine Interventions

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the PRIMARY goal of thoracic joint mobilization techniques as presented?

  • To create structural changes in the thoracic vertebrae
  • To induce a state of hypermobility for increased flexibility
  • To modulate pain, improve joint movement, and address hypomobility (correct)
  • To directly address muscle strength deficits in the thoracic region

Thoracic spine high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT) manipulation is CONTRAINDICATED in patients with which condition?

  • Muscle strains
  • Osteoporosis (correct)
  • Facet joint sprain
  • Disc herniation

In a seated lateral glide mobilization of the thoracic spine, where should the therapist ideally position themselves relative to the patient and the side of restricted sidebending?

  • Standing directly in front of the patient
  • Standing on the contralateral side to the restriction
  • Standing on the ipsilateral side to the restriction (correct)
  • Standing behind the patient

During a seated lateral glide mobilization, the therapist's mobilizing hand should make contact with which anatomical landmark to induce lateral flexion?

<p>The spinous process on the ipsilateral side (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a seated central posterior-anterior (PA) mobilization, what is the recommended position for the patient's arms and forehead?

<p>Arms crossed, forehead resting on forearms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the therapist's hand is typically used to apply pressure on the spinous process during a seated central PA mobilization?

<p>The hypothenar eminence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of force application during a prone central PA mobilization of the thoracic spine?

<p>Anterior (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a prone unilateral PA mobilization, which hand contact options are appropriate for applying pressure?

<p>Either dummy thumb or hypothenar eminence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a 1st rib inferior mobilization, what is the purpose of inducing slight ipsilateral lateral flexion of the patient's neck?

<p>To reduce soft tissue tension (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a 1st rib inferior mobilization, where should the lateral aspect of the 2nd metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the mobilizing hand be positioned?

<p>Just anterior to the upper trapezius (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a CONTRAINDICATION for thoracic HVLAT manipulation?

<p>Fracture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a prone HVLAT manipulation, at what height should the bed be ideally positioned relative to the therapist?

<p>Knee level or lower (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a prone HVLAT manipulation, where should the therapist's hypothenar eminences be placed to contact the facet joints?

<p>On the facet joints on each side (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a prone HVLAT manipulation set-up, what is the purpose of 'taking up skin slack' by shearing hands in opposite directions?

<p>To pre-tension the tissues and improve the efficiency of the thrust (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For which region of the thoracic spine is prone HVLAT manipulation considered to be BEST suited?

<p>Mid-thoracic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a supine HVLAT manipulation, what should the patient be instructed to do with their arms?

<p>Cross arms over their chest or hug a rolled towel (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a supine HVLAT manipulation, where is the contact hand (using a firm but flat fist) typically placed to induce a posterior force?

<p>On the spinous process at the desired level (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a seated HVLAT manipulation, what action does the therapist take with the patient's elbows to apply a posterior and superior force?

<p>Grabs and lifts the elbows, applying a rapid posterior and superior force (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential outcome for the patient during a seated HVLAT manipulation due to the rapid force application?

<p>Patient may come off the table slightly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary category of therapeutic exercise interventions for the thoracic spine as presented?

<p>Flexibility exercises (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Self soft tissue mobilization using a massage ball is categorized under which type of thoracic exercise intervention?

<p>Mobility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exercises like 'bow and arrow', 'thread the needle', and 'cat-cow/camel stretch' are primarily aimed at improving what aspect of thoracic function?

<p>Mobility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Quadruped band-assisted rotation is an example of which type of thoracic exercise intervention?

<p>Motor control/graded exposure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exercises like 'Rows', 'Ts and Ys', and 'Lat pull-downs' are primarily used for improving what aspect of thoracic function?

<p>Strength (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A 43-year-old desk worker with mid-thoracic pain (T6), limited rotation, extension, and lateral flexion, and tender middle trapezius and rhomboids, would MOST likely benefit from which initial intervention strategy?

<p>Thoracic HVLAT manipulation followed by mobility exercises (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the presented patient case example, which specific mobility exercise is recommended as part of the intervention plan?

<p>Side-lying bow and arrow stretch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For the 'Thera-band snow angels' exercise in the patient case, what repetition range is suggested, aiming to maintain some reserve capacity?

<p>3 sets of 8-12 reps with 2-3 reps in reserve (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After applying thoracic manipulation and mobility exercises, what is the NEXT recommended step in managing the patient in the case example?

<p>Retest limited motions to assess intervention effectiveness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the force application for seated thoracic extension manipulation?

<p>Posterior and superior force through the arms/elbows (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of thoracic interventions, 'graded exposure' is MOST relevant to which category of exercises?

<p>Motor control exercises emphasizing progressive challenge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indication for utilizing thoracic mobility exercises?

<p>Pain modulation and limited range of motion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When performing a prone HVLAT, why are elbows kept locked during the thrust?

<p>To isolate force to the thoracic spine and utilize body weight effectively (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which patient position is shared between prone central PA mobilization and prone central PA assessment?

<p>Prone lying (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of 'motor control' exercises for the thoracic spine?

<p>Improving the efficiency and coordination of movement patterns (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For effective 1st rib mobilization, in which direction is the downward force applied through the 1st rib?

<p>Towards the contralateral hip (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended number of repetitions for seated thoracic extension with a rolled towel in the patient case example?

<p>10 repetitions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 'strengthening' exercise specifically targeting the scapulothoracic region?

<p>Snow angels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indication for using thoracic HVLAT manipulation?

<p>Pain modulation and hypomobility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Thoracic Mobilization

Restore joint motion and decrease pain in the thoracic spine through manual techniques.

Thoracic HVLAT Manipulation

A high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust technique to address joint restrictions.

Thoracic Exercise

Exercises aimed at improving mobility, motor control, and strength in the thoracic spine.

Indications for Thoracic Mobilization

Pain modulation, hypomobility, and limited range of motion.

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Seated Lateral Glide

Involves the patient sitting with legs straddling the plinth, therapist at ipsilateral side.

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Seated Central PA

Patient seated, therapist to the side, contact on the spinous process.

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Prone Central PA

Patient prone, force applied directly anteriorly.

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Prone Unilateral PA

Patient prone, force applied directly anteriorly on one side of the spinous process.

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1st Rib Inferior Mobilization

Patient seated, therapist induces slight ipsilateral lateral flexion.

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Indications for Thoracic Manipulation

Pain modulation, hypomobility, and limited ROM.

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Contraindications for Thoracic Manipulation

Osteoporosis and fracture.

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Prone HVLAT Manipulation

Patient prone, rapid anterior force applied.

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Supine HVLAT Manipulation

Patient supine, force delivered directly posterior into the table.

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Seated HVLAT Manipulation

Patient seated, rapid posterior and superior force through the patient's arms.

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Thoracic Exercise Goal

Restoring movement, motor control and strength with exercise

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Self Soft Tissue Mobilization

Self-administered techniques to release tight muscles using tools or bodyweight.

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Mobility exercises for thoracic spine

Bow and arrow, thread the needle, extension, cat-cow/camel stretch

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Graded Exposure

Progressive exercises focusing on control during movement patterns.

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Scapulothoracic Strengthening

Exercises to build strength

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Patient Case Example Intervention

Thoracic HVLAT manipulation, thoracic extension exercise, bow and arrow stretch, thera-band snow angels.

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Study Notes

Objectives of Thoracic Spine Interventions

  • Understanding and demonstrating thoracic spine joint mobilizations is key
  • It's important to grasp and show high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust manipulations
  • Coaching exercise interventions for the thoracic spine is a crucial skill

Overview of Thoracic Spine Interventions

  • Thoracic mobilization
  • HVLAT manipulation aids recovery
  • Therapeutic exercise improves outcomes encompassing mobility, motor control/graded exposure, and strengthening

Mobilization Overview

  • Pain modulation, hypomobility, and limited ROM are key indications
  • Seated techniques include lateral glide and PA (posterior-anterior) extension
  • Prone techniques include CPA (central posterior-anterior) and UPA (unilateral posterior-anterior) techniques
  • 1st Rib Mobilization adresses specific restrictions

Seated Lateral Glide

  • The patient sits with legs straddling the plinth, positioned at the edge
  • The therapist stands on the same side as the restriction
  • To enhance right sidebending, mobilize the right side
  • Reach over the patient's shoulder to the opposite scapula
  • The mobilizing hand contacts the spinous process on the affected side
  • A lateral force goes through the mobilizing hand and into sidebend via the shoulder

Seated Central PA

  • The patient is seated, facing a chair or plinth
  • The therapist stands at the patient's side
  • The patient crosses arms, resting their forehead on their forearms, with arms supported
  • Contact is made at the spinous process using the hypothenar eminence
  • Apply a force anteriorly while extending via the opposite arm

Prone Central PA

  • Setup mirrors CPA assessment
  • Contact is through the hypothenar eminence or using a "peace sign" hand position
  • Apply force directly anterior

Prone Unilateral PA

  • This setup aligns with UPA assessment
  • Use either a dummy thumb or hyopthenar eminence for contact
  • Apply force directly anterior

1st Rib Inferior Mobilization

  • The patient is seated while the therapist stands behind
  • Forearm contact induces slight ipsilateral lateral flexion to ease soft tissue tension
  • The lateral 2nd MCP of the mobilizing hand is placed anterior to the upper trapezius
  • Drag the upper trapezius back while applying a downward force

Manipulation Overview

  • This aims to provide pain modulation, hypomobility, and ROM issues
  • Contraindications include osteoporosis and fractures
  • Techniques: Prone HVLAT, Supine HVLAT, Seated HVLAT

Prone HVLAT Manipulation

  • The patient lies prone while the therapist stands perpendicular to the patient
  • The bed should be at knee height or lower
  • Contact is made at the facet joints with the hypothenar eminence, fingers pointing in opposite directions
  • Apply skin slack
  • Keep elbows locked and sink down to take up joint slack
  • Utilize rapid force directly anterior, best applied for mid-thoracic issues

Supine HVLAT Manipulation

  • The patient is supine, hugging their chest or a rolled towel, with the therapist to one side
  • Ensure the opposite arm is on top
  • Roll patient to the side and place contact hand with a firm fist
  • The spinous process should be between fingers and the thenar eminence for TLJ manipulation
  • Tuck patient elbows to your stomach and deliver force directly posterior into the table
  • Best for the upper thoracic spine, but can target the mid-thoracic area as well

Seated HVLAT Manipulation

  • The patient is seated, hugging their chest while the therapist stands behind
  • A rolled towel can localize forces
  • The therapist grabs the patient’s elbows to apply rapid force
  • Apply a rapid posterior and superior force through the arms
  • The patient may come off the table slightly

Exercise Overview

  • Aims to treat pain modulation, limited ROM, weakness, and endurance deficits
  • Components include: mobility, motor control/graded exposure, scapulothoracic and general strengthening

Mobility Exercises

  • Self soft tissue mobilization/trigger point release improves mobility
  • Dynamic stretches like bow and arrow, thread the needle, extension exercises and cat-cow stretch enhance range of motion

Motor Control/Graded Exposure Exercises

  • Quadruped band assisted and resisted rotation
  • Resisted bow and arrow
  • Banded wall slide with lift-off increases control

Strengthening Exercises

  • Scapulothoracic exercises strengthen
  • Use rows, T's and Y's, snow angels, or Lat pull downs

Patient Case Example: Presentation

  • A 43-year-old reports mid-thoracic pain at T6
  • Exercises 3x/week (CrossFit)
  • Limited rotation, extension, lateral flexion is present
  • TTP in middle trapezius and rhomboids
  • Experiences strong, painful muscle testing and end-of-workday pain that exercise alleviates

Patient Case Example: Interventions

  • Thoracic HVLAT manipulation (prone or supine)
  • Seated thoracic extension with rolled towel (10 reps at lower, mid, upper thoracic)
  • Side-lying bow and arrow stretch (15 reps each side)
  • Thera-band snow angels (3x8-12 reps with 2-3 reps in reserve)
  • Retest limited motions after manipulation and mobility exercises

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