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
Common Injuries in Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 as a backyard game for children on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Players use paddles to hit a plastic ball with holes over a net.
Physical Therapy for Gout
Gout is a painful form of arthritis. When your body has extra uric acid, sharp crystals can form in your joints (commonly your big toe). Flare-ups of symptoms like pain and swelling come and go in periods called gout attacks. Treatment is usually a combination of symptom management and changing your diet.
How do physical therapists know if low back pain is a serious medical condition?
Physical Therapists are well trained to recognize red flags throughout their evaluation. Red flags are signs and symptoms that raise suspicion of serious spinal pathology. These may come up in discussion of history or during examination.
