Physiotherapy for BWS syndrome

BWS syndrome is the term used to describe pain in the thoracic spine area that may originate from the muscles or bony joint structures. The pain can lead to localized pain directly at the spinal column, but can also cause pain in the area of the chest, arms or even trigger vegetative symptoms such as palpitations or feelings of anxiety.

Physiotherapeutic intervention

In the physiotherapeutic treatment, first of all a report is made, through which the therapist tries to identify the source of the symptoms in the BWS and then a therapy is planned individually. The therapy usually includes active measures, which the patient completes independently and also as a homework program at home, as well as passive therapist techniques, such as mobilization or techniques from manual therapy. Heat applications or tape bandages can also support the therapy.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is primarily concerned with restoring physiological joint function. In BWS, this involves the vertebral joints between the individual vertebral bodies on the one hand, but also the costal joints. Both can have functional disorders and be responsible for a BWS syndrome.

Even though much of the manual therapy is based on passive techniques, i.e. techniques performed by the therapist, the patient must also stabilize the new joint function through active exercises, stretching and strengthening. Manual therapy has a high value in the treatment of BWS syndromes, because it is often caused by long-term postural deformities, primarily muscular tensions that the patient notices, but these are mostly caused by dysfunctions in the joint mechanics. Without causal treatment of the joint mechanics, as is the case in manual therapy, the muscle tension will return even after it has been released. Manual therapy cannot guarantee long-term stabilization through active training and the elimination of imbalances.

  • In manual therapy, the therapist tries to bring the patient into a starting position after a specific finding by means of certain grips and joint adjustments, in which he can release possible malpositions or blockages by means of certain impulses.
  • Gentle mobilization techniques can also be applied.
  • Soft tissue techniques such as stretching techniques, trigger point therapy or massage grips are also used.