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

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