Twelve thoracic vertebrae form the mid-spine and articulate with ribs.
ZONE 2 · REGION 01Mid Back
Mid Back
& Thoracic
Thoracic region contributes to trunk rotation, extension, rib-cage movement and upper-body function. Student belajar menilai movement dan task secara functional tanpa menganggap stiffness bermaksud vertebra atau rib “lari”.
REGIONAL OUTCOMESOrient T1–T12 & rib relationshipAssess thoracic movementConnect movement to functionScreen non-musculoskeletal patterns
T1T6T12THORACIC REGION
Thoracic spine works with the rib cage.
Rib articulations link thoracic movement with the chest wall and respiration.
Spinal, scapular and trunk muscles contribute to posture, movement and load transfer.
Turning, reaching, lifting and many upper-limb tasks involve thoracic contribution.
Rotation is especially useful to observe.
Turning trunk left/right during reaching, walking and work.
Forward trunk movement.
Backward/upper-trunk extension within comfortable range.
Lateral trunk movement contributing to multi-planar tasks.
STIFF ≠ OUT OF PLACE
Reduced thoracic movement boleh datang dengan banyak contexts. Describe range, quality, symptom behaviour dan function — jangan claim vertebra/rib displacement tanpa appropriate diagnosis.
Movement first, then relevant load.
INTERVIEWonset · trauma · chest/breathing · systemic · neuro
→ACTIVE ROMrotate · flex · extend · side-bend
→COMPARErange · quality · familiar symptom
→FUNCTIONturn · reach · lift
→SCREENsafe to treat?
Example objective: improve comfortable trunk rotation for reaching.
Supported position, comfortable breathing and gentle movement.
Controlled thoracic rotation/extension exposure matched to the finding.
Appropriate trained external work if it supports comfort or movement objective.
Integrate rotation and trunk control into reaching, pulling or lifting tasks.
COMFORTABLE MOTION→CONTROL→LIGHT LOAD→FUNCTION
Repeat the same movement or task.
Record range, quality, comfort and functional limitation.
Better, same or worse? Use response to guide the next dose.
Do not continue routine treatment with major trauma, sudden severe unexplained thoracic pain, chest pain/pressure, severe or unexplained breathlessness, collapse, fever/systemic illness with concerning symptoms, new significant neurological changes, rapidly worsening unexplained presentation or other emergency-pattern findings. Seek appropriate urgent medical assessment when indicated.