Thoracic spine T4–9: Flexion gliding

9.2 Thoracic spine T4–9


Flexion gliding




Patient supine


Ligamentous myofascial tension locking



Assume somatic dysfunction (S-T-A-R-T) is identified and you wish to use a flexion gliding thrust, parallel to the apophysial joint plane, to produce joint cavitation at T5–6 (Figs 9.17, 9.18).



image

Figure 9.17


image

Figure 9.18



Key




image Stabilization


image Applicator


image Plane of thrust (operator)


image Direction of body movement (patient)


Note: The dimensions for the arrows are not a pictorial representation of the amplitude or force of the thrust.






1 Contact points




(a) Transverse processes of T6


(b) Patient’s elbows.



2 Applicators




(a) Palm of the operator’s right hand, held in a clenched position


(b) Operator’s lower sternum or upper abdomen.



3 Patient positioning


Supine with the arms crossed over the chest and hands passed around the shoulders. The arms should be firmly clasped round the body as far as the patient can comfortably reach (Fig. 9.19).


image

Figure 9.19



4 Operator stance


Stand on the right side of the patient, facing the head of the couch.



5 Positioning for thrust


Reach over the patient with your left hand to take hold of the left shoulder and gently pull it towards you. With your right hand, locate the transverse processes of T6. Now place the clenched palm of your right hand against the transverse processes of T6 (Fig. 9.20).


image

Figure 9.20

Related posts:

Validation of clinical practice by research Cervicothoracic spine C7–T3: rotation gliding Cervical spine C2–7: Up-slope gliding Cervical spine C2–7: Up-slope gliding Thoracic spine T4–9: Rotation gliding Lumbar and thoracolumbar spine

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Sep 3, 2016 | Posted by in MUSCULOSKELETAL MEDICINE | Comments Off on Thoracic spine T4–9: Flexion gliding

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