What is normal thoracic extension?
The angles of the joints in the thoracic spine allow for motion in all planes: rotation, flexion/extension, and lateral flexion. Conversely, the thoracic spine only moves 20 ° to 25 ° of extension. Therefore, if the normal position is 40 °, the fully extended is still 15 -20 ° of flexion.
How is thoracic extension ROM measured?
Using the fingertip-to-floor method, the distance from the third fingertip to the floor is measured, first with the patient standing erect, and then after the subject laterally flexes the spine. The change in distance from erect standing to lateral flexion is considered the range of lateral flexion (see Fig. 8-52).
What limits flexion and extension ROM in the thoracic spine?
The positioning of the ribs and spinous processes greatly limits flexion and extension of the thoracic vertebrae. Thoracic vertebrae have superior articular facets that face in a posterolateral direction.
What is thoracic rotation?
THORACIC ROTATION STRETCH TECHNIQUE Cross your arms over your chest, and leading with your arms, rotate around until you feel a stretch in your upper back. Hold for the set time and repeat on the opposite side.
Why is thoracic extension important?
Thoracic mobility can be thought of the available movement or motion of this region of our body, and is very important for achieving good posture to ensure you don’t get pain from poor posture, and it is also essential for most sporting performances.
How many ROM techniques are there for thoracic spine?
Main Outcome Measure(s): We tested 5 thoracic rotation ROM techniques over 2 days: seated rotation (bar in back and front), half-kneeling rotation (bar in back and front), and lumbar-locked rotation.
Are there any manual exercises for the thoracic spine?
This page outlines some of the Manual Techniques and Exercises for the Thoracic Spine. Range of motion (ROM) in the thoracic region is necessary for a number of daily activities and sporting tasks such as golf, throwing sports, tennis, and rowing.
What is the range of motion of the thoracic spine?
Thoracic Spine Range of Motion. ROM Using a Goniometer (Geelhoed et al, 2006): Flexion: 20-45 degrees Extension: 25-45 degrees Lateral Flexion: 20-40 degrees Rotation: not assessed to due difficulty differentiating from L-spine ROM Using a Tape Measure (Geelhoed et al, 2006): Flexion: >2.7 cm
What does it mean to have thoracic extension?
Thoracic extension involves concurrent posterior rotation (external torsion) and depression of the posterior ribs with elevation of the anterior ribs. Bending to the side is a combination of spinal segments side bending, ribs on the same come together while ribs on the opposite side separate.