Use of neurodevelopmental treatment techniques in a client with kyphosis: a case report

This case report describes use of an intervention developed for patients with neurological diagnoses (neurodevelopmental treatment [NDT]) with a patient with musculoskeletal and pulmonary diagnoses. The patient was a 78-year-old woman referred to physical therapy for gait training, therapeutic exercises, and neuromuscular reeducation. Standing at her most upright, the patient initially had a 30 degrees kyphosis with extreme capital extension to bring her head to vertical. Shoulders were internally rotated, and the medial borders of the scapulae rested near the lateral border of the ribs and the scapular spines were at the level of C7. To address the postural impairments, I used NDT spinal and scapular mobilization techniques and strengthening in weight-bearing postures with modified bridging as preparation for gait training. At the end of the episode of care, the patient's upright posture had improved to 10 degrees kyphosis with head in neutral extension in both standing and walking.