When most people think of the axial skeleton, their minds go straight to the spine. And while spinal care is a significant part of physical therapy, there are other essential components of the axial skeleton that deserve attention: the skull, rib cage, and sternum. At Canyon Sports Therapy, we take a whole-body approach to healing, which includes treating dysfunction and injury in these often-overlooked areas.
Jaw & Skull-Related Conditions
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is one of the non-spinal axial injuries we treat. Patients with TMJ often report jaw pain, headaches, facial tightness, clicking, or difficulty chewing. Jaw misalignments may also exist in a C or S shape. Through a combination of manual therapy, postural training, and targeted jaw exercises, we help relieve muscle tension, restore jaw mechanics, reduce pain, and realign the disc within the jaw.
Rib Dysfunction & Thoracic Trauma
The rib cage plays a critical role in breathing and upper-body movement. Rib dysfunctions, such as intercostal strains or costovertebral joint irritation, can cause sharp, localized pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or rotation. At CST, our physical therapists assess rib mobility and thoracic alignment and once properly diagnosed, may begin applying gentle mobilization, soft tissue release, and even breathing exercises to restore function and reduce discomfort.
Post-Surgical Recovery & Chest Wall Pain
Post-operative patients, particularly after cardiac or thoracic surgery, often experience tightness or nerve sensitivity around the sternum and upper ribs. This can limit mobility and impair breathing. Our team utilizes desensitization techniques, scar tissue mobilization, and gentle stretching to promote healing and reintroduce movement safely and gradually.
Concussions & Head Trauma
Though not an orthopedic injury in the traditional sense, concussions affect the axial skeleton by altering the way the head, neck, and upper torso interact. Our team evaluates vestibular function, balance, visual tracking, and cervical posture to create a tailored recovery plan for concussion patients, integrating neuro and orthopedic rehab strategies.
At Canyon Sports Therapy, we know that recovery doesn’t stop at the spine. Our comprehensive evaluation and treatment of the entire axial skeleton means that no piece of the puzzle is missed in helping you return to and maintain a healthy, active life.
