Abstract

Seated counterstrain techniques for the treatment of posterior rib tenderpoints are common and can be found in literature. At times, it can be extremely inconvenient or impossible to treat certain patients in a seated position. A supine treatment position could easily address these concerns; however, there is no literature that illustrates how to utilize a counterstrain technique in a supine position for posterior rib tenderpoints. This article describes how to diagnose and treat posterior rib tenderpoints with a patient in the supine position through the application of a counterstrain technique. The importance of addressing posterior rib tenderpoints is discussed along with a brief list of additional somatic dysfunctions that should be addressed in a supine patient experiencing a thoracic cage somatic dysfunction.