Ribs

Question 1

What type of dysfunction is associated with posterior costal tenderpoints?

Answer 1

Inhaled rib dysfunctions are associated with the posterior costal tenderpoints that are located on the superior aspect of the rib angle.

The muscles involved are the levatores costarum and the serratus posterior superior

To treat an inhaled rib dyfunction using muscle energy flex the thorax and rotate/sidebend away from the side of the dysfunction

Question 2

Ribs 2-5 are restricted in inhalation.

What rib would you treat?

Answer 2

Ribs restricted in inhalation means they have an exhaled dysfunction.

Treat exhaled dysfunctions by treating the TOP rib in the segment- in this case, treat rib 2.

Question 3

Ribs 2-5 are restricted in exhalation.

What rib should you treat?

Answer 3

Ribs that are restricted in exhalation means that they are an inhaled dysfunction.

Treat exhaled dysfunctions by treating the BOTTOM rib- in this case, treat rib 5.

Question 4

What is the motion of ribs 11 and 12 during inhalation?

Answer 4

Ribs 11 and 12 have “caliper” motion. They move posterioriorly and slightly inferiorly during inhalation

Question 5

What is the movement of ribs 11 and 12 during exhalation.

Answer 5

Ribs 11 and 12 display caliper motion. They move anteriorly and slightly superiorly during exhalation.

Question 6

What is the counterstrain position for a posterior rib tender point?

Answer 6

A poster rib tenderpoint indicates an inhaled rib dysfunction.

Treat inhaled dysfunction by flexing, sidebending away, and rotating away.