Recall Diagnosing the Lumbar Spine

This technique can be used for Type I OR Type II Dysfunction!

Steps for Treatment:

1. Make sure patient’s feet are firm on the ground for balance, or have then straddle the table for stabilization
2. Stand/sit on patient’s side OPPOSITE of rotation
3. You can have the patient sit off the side or have them straddle the end of the table so you can stand behind
4. Have patient put hand of rotated side behind head and have them grasp that elbow with the opposite hand 
5. Physician grabs arm and reverses the side-bending, rotation, and flexion/extension (if Type II) opposite of the diagnosis (all 3 planes)
   1. Flex and extend the patient last 
   2. Physician monitors dysfunctional segment by placing thenar eminence on rotated transverse process
      1. Remember to monitor the apex of the curve for type I or the affected vertebrae for type II treatment with the opposite hand. Don’t forget to flex and extend for type II treatment! 
6. Have patient try to return to neutral against your resistance for 3 seconds, relax for 2 seconds, then engage a new barrier
7. Repeat 2-3 times
8. Passive stretch 
9. Reassess

Video Tutorial: