Diaphragmatic Myofascial Release Techinque on Chest Expansion and Heart Rate in Patients Having Thoracic Kyphosis

The exercise program included the strengthening of the deep cervical flexor and shoulder retractor muscles and also stretching of the pectoralis and cervical extensor muscles. (3 sets of 12 repetitions) Strengthening Deep Cervical Flexors Lying chin tuck Lying chin tuck with head lift. Strengthening Shoulder Retractors Standing shoulder pull back with elastic Shoulder pull back with weight Stretch Cervical Extensors Chin drop Stretch Pectoralis Muscle Bilateral Pectoral stretch

To release the diaphragm, the patient was positioned in the supine position. The therapist stood at the head of the patient. The therapist made manual contact bilaterally under the costal cartilages of the lower ribs (7th to 10th) with hypothenar regions of the hands and last three fingers. During the patient's inspiration, the therapist was gently pulling the points of hands contacts toward the head and slightly laterally, while elevating the ribs simultaneously. During exhalation, the therapist deepened hand contacts towards the inner costal margins Exercise Program (3 sets of 12 reps) Strengthening deep cervical flexors Strengthening shoulder retractors Stretching Cervical Extensors Stretching Pectoralis Muscle