Rib raising is a manual therapy technique used to address rib restrictions. Here's a breakdown of how it's done based on the provided reference:
Steps for Performing Rib Raising
The technique involves specific hand placement and movements to lift the ribs and improve their mobility. The reference describes a process utilizing direct pressure at the rib angles.
- Initial Hand Placement: Begin by placing your hands on the patient's back, directly on the rib angles. These are the bony prominences where the ribs curve posteriorly.
- Lifting Anteriorly: Apply a slight pressure and lift those ribs anteriorly. This creates a sense of lifting the rib cage away from the spine.
- Shifting Contact: Shift the hand contact inferiorly. Slide your hands down, maintaining contact with the rib angles.
- Dropping Elbows: While moving inferiorly and contacting rib angles, drop your elbows. This will further encourage the ribs to lift anteriorly and improve range of motion.
Key Concepts and Considerations
- Contact Points: The rib angles are the primary contact points for this technique. These are located posterior-laterally on the back.
- Direction of Force: The force applied is primarily an anterior lift with slight lateral movement to move the ribs away from the spine.
- Inferior Movement: Shifting inferiorly along the ribs while maintaining contact helps mobilize the entire rib cage, ensuring comprehensive treatment.
- Elbow Movement: Dropping the elbows as you move inferiorly helps to enhance the lifting action on the ribs.
Example
As shown in the provided reference, a practitioner would apply the technique in a fluid motion, moving inferiorly along the rib angles.
Summary Table
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Initial Contact | Place hands on posterior rib angles. |
| 2. Anterior Lift | Apply pressure to lift ribs anteriorly and slightly laterally. |
| 3. Inferior Movement | Slide hands inferiorly, maintaining rib angle contact. |
| 4. Elbow Drop | Drop elbows while moving inferiorly, increasing anterior lift. |
By combining these steps, the practitioner can mobilize the rib cage, potentially improving breathing mechanics, reducing pain, and addressing somatic dysfunction. This technique requires careful hand placement and a smooth, controlled motion.
