ARTICLES

Physical Therapy for Thoracolumbar Syndrome

Evidence suggests that Thoracolumbar Junction  (TLJ) syndrome is an overlooked source of pain.  Patients with TLJ syndrome typically present with primary unilateral hip and groin pain commonly with pain along the iliac crest and upper gluteal region. Our vertebrae change anatomically in our cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. These transitional positions between the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine may have decreased mobility and increased susceptibility to overload. TLJ syndrome is diagnosed clinically as most radiological studies will be normal. Newer case studies have shown that physical therapy focused on TLJ mobility is valuable in patients with hip and groin pain for decreasing pain and improving functional mobility after comprehensive screening for non-musculoskeletal pathology.   

Thoracolumbar mobilizations in prone

Thoracolumbar side-bending mobilizations in sitting

Mobility exercise to target thoracolumbar region

Manual resistive exercise to target thoracolumbar region

Related Articles

Pelvic Floor PT/OT Interoception

Interoception is not a word that many people are familiar with, but it can be a key part in helping both adult and pediatric pelvic floor clients learn to address their pelvic floor symptoms and independently manage their pelvic floor needs during and after discharge from therapy.

read more

Urinary Leakage and Incontinence

Urinary leakage and incontinence can occur for many different reasons. Some people leak urine in response to an increase in pressure in the abdomen either from a laugh, sneeze, or cough or from lifting, jumping, or running. Other people leak in response to a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate or a “bossy bladder.” As pelvic floor therapists, we treat and approach these kinds of incontinence differently. 

read more

Pelvic Floor PT/OT Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor Connection

The relationship between the pelvic floor and the diaphragm is often important when considering conditions like urinary incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, and diastasis recti. When thinking about the abdomen like a canister, the pelvic floor is at the bottom of the canister and supports the abdominal contents and pelvic organs (rectum, uterus, and bladder) from the bottom.

read more