The CBP® mirror image® approach to reducing thoracic hyperkyphosis: a retrospective case series of 10 patients

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 30; no. 8; pp. 1039 - 1045
• Main Authors: Oakley, Paul A., Jaeger, Jason O., Brown, John E., Polatis, Todd A., Clarke, Jeremiah G., Whittler, Clint D., Harrison, Deed E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2018; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Adult spinal deformity; Case reports; Case Study; Manipulative therapy; Spinal rehabilitation; Thoracic hyperkyphosis; Thoracic hyperkyphosis; Adult spinal deformity; Spinal rehabilitation
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.30.1039

[Purpose] To present a case series demonstrating the reduction of thoracic hyperkyphosis by the Chiropractic BioPhysics® multimodal rehabilitation program. [Participants and Methods] Ten randomly selected files and corresponding radiographs were chosen from recent clinic archives of patients who were treated for thoracic hyperkyphosis. All patients were treated by CBP mirror image® thoracic extension traction and exercises, as well as spinal manipulative therapy. [Results] Results demonstrated an average reduction in hyperkyphosis of 11.3° over an average of 25 treatments, over an average of 9 weeks. Patients also experienced a reduction in pain levels and disability ratings. [Conclusion] Postural hyperkyphosis is a serious progressive deformity that is related to a plethora of symptoms, syndromes, and early death. Thoracic hyperkyphosis may be reduced/corrected by posture-specific, thoracic extension protocols including mirror image extension traction and exercises, as well as spinal manipulation as part of the CBP multi-modal rehabilitation program.