Torso/Ribcage

Question 1

Torso/Ribcage Position

Answer 1

Ribcage aligned below shoulders and/or above pelvis

Maintain a closed rib cage

Depending on the focus for work, the ribcage and hip will either maintain distance or approximate each other ie sit up (close) vs lateral bending (apart)

Question 2

Monitor for torso/ribcage position

Answer 2

Loss of Core connection

Torso hypertension

Collapsed/sunken sternum

Chest/belly breathing

False rotation (occurs at head or hips rather than spine)

Ribs popping- when the ribs splay or loose connection, upper abs disengage and back arches

Rib translation - off to the side right or left

Question 3

Cueing for torso/ribcage position

Answer 3

Posterior lateral breath
Ribs laced - ribs lace together like fingers, corset, or football gear
Rotate the ribs on the pelvis like a pencil sharpener/cork in bottle
Rotate the waist/lower rib rather than head or hips
Visualize box connects ribs and hips
Lengthen your spine - grow taller
Keep Core engaged when breathing
Funnel the ribs
Draw ribs over hips (when seated)

Question 4

Palpating cue for torso/ribs

Answer 4

1. Trainer places hands on clients lower ribs - breathe into my hands
2. Trainer places hands on clients ribs from front or back to guide ribcage over the pelvis
3. Trainer palpates - 2 finger touch - the lower ribs to facilitate ribs closing

Question 5

Modifications for torso:ribcage position

Answer 5

Pillow/wedge for kyphotoc thoracic spine in supine position

Question 6

Torso stability

Answer 6

The ability to maintain the torso position while working the limbs

Question 7

What causes one to lose torso stability?

Answer 7

Muscle imbalance or weakness of intrinsic muscles

Question 8

Movements of trunk

Answer 8

Flexion/extension

Lateral flexion

Rotation