Episode 1559 - Mobilization with movement for lumbar flexion

Dr. Zac Morgan // #ClinicalTuesday // www.ptonice.com 

In today's episode of the PT on ICE Daily Show, Spine Division division leader Zac Morgan discusses a mobilization technique specifically designed for patients with unilateral symptoms. These patients experience tightness primarily on one side of their body and often feel the need to be stretched out, especially in the morning.

To address these issues, Zac introduces the concept of mobilization with movement. This technique involves actively moving the affected area while applying a mobilization force, with the goal of improving symptoms and increasing range of motion. Zac then demonstrates a mobilization technique using cups. He explains that the cups will be placed on the region of the patient's back that is most tight or painful. The patient is then instructed to keep the cups on for about a minute, allowing them to acclimate to the sensation.

It is important to note that this mobilization technique may not be suitable for all cases of back pain. Back pain can manifest in various ways, and it is crucial to have the right patient in front of you for this technique to be effective. However, if the patient experiences improvement when they forward bend and their symptoms feel better during this movement, the mobilization with movement technique can be beneficial.

Zac  suggests starting with easy active range of motion exercises and gradually adding more stimulus, such as overpressure or the use of weights. He highlights the versatility of this technique and mention that he frequently uses it in the clinic for patients with similar presentations.

Take a listen or check out the episode transcription below.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPTION

00:00 INTRO Good morning PT on Ice Daily Show. Zac Morgan here. I'm a division lead with the spine division, so you can find me on the road teaching either the cervical spine management course or the lumbar spine management course alongside of Jordan Berry and now Brian Melrose. Speaking on that spine topic before we jump into this morning's Technique Tuesday, I wanted to just point out the next handful of courses that we have. So we actually have three different lumbar course offerings this weekend. So last minute you want to jump in, we'll be in Richmond, Virginia. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and then Denver, Colorado. So if you're looking for a last second seat there for lumbar spine, jump into those. If none of those work, we have a few more offerings this year. So in October, the 21st and 22nd will be Frederick, Maryland. So right outside of the DC area there at Onward Frederick. Also have Fort Worth, Texas, the November 4th, 5th weekend, and then December 2nd and 3rd at Onward Charlotte. I have a lumbar course as well. Quickly, just pointing out the cervical ones, and then we'll jump into the content. Greenville, South Carolina, October 14th and 15th. Bridgewater, Massachusetts, that's November 11th and 12th. And then here in Hendersonville, December 2nd and 3rd. So those are the cervical and lumbar offeri