Fellow in Training Demonstration: The Use of Upper Thoracic Manipulation in a Patient With Headache.
Posted by IMPACT Fellows in Training Shannon VanAntwerp PT and Matt Johnson PT.
The Use of Upper Thoracic Manipulation in a Patient With Headache. James A. Viti MSc, PT, OCS, Stanley V. Paris, PhD, PT. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy Vol. 8 No. 1 (2000), 25 – 28.
Assessment: PIVM and PAIVM in flexion and extension.
Treatment: Upper thoracic manipulation is effective in relieving cervicogenic headache symptoms. In addition to upper cervical mobilizations and soft tissue mobilization, upper thoracic helped to reduce headache symptoms. Decreasing upper thoracic hypomobility may improve forward head posture and CV extension. Thrust techniques to the segments where the semispinalis capitus attach may cause reflex inhibition to that muscle and decrease associated pain referral/ headache symptoms.
Segmental Assessment
Manipulation technique referenced in the article
Self Mobilization Technique
