SPECIAL TESTS FOR THE

THORACIC SPINE
SPECIAL TESTS FOR THE THORACIC SPINE

SPECIAL TEST: Spinous Process Percussion Test

STRUCTURE: Vertebal segment, disc, or ligament.

POSITION: The patient is seated with slight forward bending of the cervical spine down to
the thoracic spine. The therapist is standing alongside the patient and slightly
behind.

APPLICATION: Strike the spinous processes of the thoracic spine with a reflex hammer (figure A).
Repeat the test by striking the paraspinal muscles (figure B).

POSITIVE SIGN: A significant increase in localized pain or radicular pain.

*Spinous process or vertebral segment for possible fracture. Disc lesion possibly
may present with radicular symptoms. Ligamentous strain may present with a
local non-radiating pain.

REFERENCE: A. p. 282-283

Figure A Figure B

Copyright © 1998 by The Ola Grimsby Institute • 1.800.646.6128 TSP • 177

SPECIAL TESTS FOR THE THORACIC SPINE

SPECIAL TEST: Chest Expansion Test

STRUCTURE: Ribs and their attachments along with respiratory structures.

POSITION: The patient is seated with hands on hips or folded at shoulder level and parallel
to the floor. The therapist is standing behind the patient with the tape measure
placement at T4 or at nipple line.

APPLICATION: Measure full exhaled position, then remeasure full inhaled expansion.

POSITIVE SIGN: Positive if less than 1.5-2.0 inches of chest expansion.

REFERENCE: A. p. 264-265

TSP • 178 Copyright © 1998 by The Ola Grimsby Institute • 1.800.646.6128