Course Description
This course will present a systematic approach to the management of patients with thoracic and ribcage related problems. The medical community has long ignored thoracic back pain, in part due to the thought that the ribcage has such a stabilizing effect on this part of the spine that mechanical dysfunction was not likely. Increased understanding of biomechanics and advanced imaging techniques have ignited the thought that the thoracic spine and ribcage can house several primary dysfunction that can lead to pain and limited function of our patients. Considering the fact that biomechanically the upper thoracic spine functions together with the lower cervical spine and the lower thoracic spine functions with the lumbar spine the manual therapist must consider this part of the spine as a source of dysfunctions.
Dysfunction that one should consider when dealing with pain in the thoracic spine and ribcage include but are not limited to; muscle imbalance due to poor posture, degenerative changes due to aging and posture adaptations causing issues with facet and vertebra-costal joints, discogenic relates issues, spinal stenosis, ribcage related dysfunctions such as costochondritis, vertebral fractures due to trauma and osteoporosis, idiopathic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS), neurological conditions (such as T 4syndrome and Herpes Zoster) and chondritis. One should always consider the inter-regional dependence model when considering a spine patient and evaluate the thoracic spine and ribcage area.
The course participant will be introduced to a structured evaluation process that includes the identification of yellow and red flags, neurological assessment, the use of clinical prediction rules when appropriate, and the identification of muscle and joint dysfunction. The treatment component of this course will introduce the participant to a variety of manipulation techniques and augmented exercises to maximize clinical outcomes. After completion of this thoracic/costal course the participant will be able to effectively classify and treat patients with thoracic and or costal dysfunctions based on the latest research evidence.
Dysfunction that one should consider when dealing with pain in the thoracic spine and ribcage include but are not limited to; muscle imbalance due to poor posture, degenerative changes due to aging and posture adaptations causing issues with facet and vertebra-costal joints, discogenic relates issues, spinal stenosis, ribcage related dysfunctions such as costochondritis, vertebral fractures due to trauma and osteoporosis, idiopathic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS), neurological conditions (such as T 4syndrome and Herpes Zoster) and chondritis. One should always consider the inter-regional dependence model when considering a spine patient and evaluate the thoracic spine and ribcage area.
The course participant will be introduced to a structured evaluation process that includes the identification of yellow and red flags, neurological assessment, the use of clinical prediction rules when appropriate, and the identification of muscle and joint dysfunction. The treatment component of this course will introduce the participant to a variety of manipulation techniques and augmented exercises to maximize clinical outcomes. After completion of this thoracic/costal course the participant will be able to effectively classify and treat patients with thoracic and or costal dysfunctions based on the latest research evidence.
