Hi Linda, While the infrasternal angle can vary from one person to another, this isn't something we can permanently change with exercise. The cartilaginous connections between the lower ribs and the sternum allow for movement, especially during breathing, but exercise will not permanently alter the resting posture of this region or the associated angle. This is something we see fairly often in the posture and exercise research. The infrasternal angle will naturally increase during inhalation and there are some theories that the angle may increase when the external obliques are weak or inactive. It may be that having your patients/clients engage their external obliques can help prevent the infrasternal angle from increasing during spinal rotation exercises and/or movements. 

You’re welcome, Jacqui! I’m glad you enjoyed the article.

Hi Michael, Which videos are showing up as unavailable? This shouldn't be the case, so I need to fix the issue. Thank you for subscribing to my app!

Hi Caroline, I'm alway hesitant to tell patients to undergo meniscus debridements (clean outs) as the meniscus is such an important shock absorber and we have research showing that when portions of the meniscus are removed people develop knee osteoarthritis more quickly. I would say the decision really boils down to how much pain your client is having and how much her symptoms are interfering with her daily tasks. If her pain is manageable and she can function okay, I would recommend that she goes the conservative route and performs rehab exercises focused on improving neuromuscular control and joint stability for the next 8-12 weeks. Then, you can reassess with her from there. If pain is severe and she can't function well right now, then a meniscus debridement may be the best option. The exercises in this program are the ones we use before and after meniscus surgery, so they should help with her rehab. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Hi Shannon! Thank you so much for joining my rehab science membership! It’s great to learn more about you and your clinical work. I’m so glad to hear that my book has been a helpful resource. Please let me know if you ever have any clinical questions. Thanks again! Tom

Hi Amir, thank you for introducing yourself and telling us about your work and educational background. I have always loved exercise physiology (my bachelors degree was in exercise science). Thank you so much for purchasing my book last year and for joining my Rehab Science membership. I’m looking forward to talking with you more. If you ever have any pain or injury related questions, please feel free to ask them in this community area and I will get back to you.

Hi Gagan, thank you so much for joining my Rehab Science Community and or introducing yourself! Congrats on finishing your massage therapy training! Thank you for buying a copy of my book as well. I'm going to be adding new content to the app each month, so I hope you will find it to be a helpful clinical resource as well. Please let me know if you ever have any clinical questions or if you are looking for something particular inside the app. Thanks! Tom

Hey Brandon, thank you for introducing yourself and telling us a bit about your background! I also have a black belt in Taekwondo, so it's cool that we have that in common. Thank you for buying my book as well! I'm going to keep adding more content to the app each month, so I hope that you will continue to find it to be a helpful resource in your work with your clients.

Jacqui Barker Awesome, thank you! Sounds like a very good program.

Hi Jacqui,

It's so great to learn more about you! Scotland is somewhere I have yet to visit, but to hope to one day. 

Thank you for sharing about your background and clinical practice. I don't know anything about Jing Massage. What is that practice like? 

Thank you for buying my book and for subscribing to my app! I'm so glad to hear that these resources have been helpful to you and your clients. If there is ever something you would like me to cover in the app or if you ever have a clinical question, please feel free to write a message here in the practitioner community. I will be adding more programs and assessment videos to the app each month, so the library will keep growing!

Thanks! Tom