Patients with segmental instability—including hypermobility; ligamentous laxity; diagnoses such as spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, or poor neuromuscular control of the core and stabilizing musculature—require interventions that improve stability. Some of the patients may have a history of trauma, repeated manipulations, or early signs of spondylosis. Mobility testing of the spinal segments reveals increased mobility at one or […]

• Supine:
Hook-lying flexes the lumbar spine; legs extended extends the spine. A pillow under the head flexes the neck; a small roll under the neck stabilizes a mild lordosis with the head neutral.
• Prone:
Use of a pillow under the abdomen flexes the lumbar spine; no pillow extends the spine. To maintain the cervical spine in […]

Use of modalities and massage to decrease pain and swelling from acute symptoms is appropriate during the acute stage. It is also important that the patient becomes an active participant in his or her program. Kinesthetic training of neutral or functional spinal posture, nondestructive movements in the pain-free range, awareness and activation of core musculature, […]

During the normal gait cycle, the hip goes through a ROM of 40° of flexion and extension (10° extension at terminal stance to 30° flexion at midswing and initial contact). There is also some lateral pelvic tilt and hip abduction/adduction of 15° (10° adduction at initial contact, 5° abduction at initial swing); and hip internal/external […]