Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/992435
A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 79 convexity of the right lumbar scoliotic curve is oriented up toward the ceiling. The therapist uses his pisiform to contact the client's lumbar spinous process/lamina at the desired joint level, trapping the bone against his contact. The therapist then gently sinks down with his body weight. Once tissue tension is reached, the therapist gently increases the force downward toward the table to stretch/ mobilize the intrinsic fascial tissue of the spine at that level. Repetitions at that joint level can be performed as desired. This can then be repeated at other levels of the spine. Another method of joint mobilization of the spine can be performed with the client seated (Images 10A–10C). The client is seated with the convexity of the scoliotic curve oriented toward the therapist. The therapist contacts the spinous process at the desired joint level with either the thumb or pisiform, whichever is comfortable for therapist and client (Image 10A). The therapist now gently but firmly grasps the client's shoulders/trunk with his other hand. With the contact against the spinous process, the therapist brings the client's spine into lateral flexion toward him until tissue tension is reached (Image 10B). A gentle mobilization force is added with the left hand or with the right thumb contact (Image 10C). This technique can be repeated as needed at that level and then performed at the other levels of the scoliotic curve. L3 L2 left laterally flexing on L3 A B C Seated Grade IV joint mobilization technique. The convexity is oriented toward the therapist and the spinous process at the desired level is contacted. Tissue tension is reached and the mobilization force is added. (Note: these images do not show a scoliotic spine.) 10A 10B 10C Joseph E. Muscolino, DC, has been a manual and movement therapy educator for more than 30 years. He is the author of multiple textbooks, including The Muscular System Manual: The Skeletal Muscles of the Human Body (Elsevier, 2017); The Muscle and Bone Palpation Manual with Trigger Points, Referral Patterns, and Stretching (Elsevier, 2016); and Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function (Elsevier, 2017). He is also the author of 12 DVDs on manual and movement therapy and teaches continuing education workshops around the world, including a certification in Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT), and has created Digital COMT, a video streaming subscription service for manual and movement therapists, with new content added each and every week. Visit www.learnmuscles.com for more information or reach him directly at joseph.e.muscolino@gmail.com.