Assessment for Breathing: History, Observation, & Musculoskeletal

12-Month Subscription

Unlimited access to:

Thousands of CE Courses
Patient Education
Home Exercise Program
And more

Subscribe Now

First Chapter Free Buy Course

This course will outline what is important in the history when assessing breathing challenges in children. The importance of general observation will be discussed. A method for assessment of the musculoskeletal system for structures related to breathing will be presented. The structures included are the muscles of the trunk, including the shoulder girdle and pelvis, as they are related to breathing. Atypical breathing patterns and how to identify them will be presented.

Meet your instructor

Deanna M. Wanzek

Deanna M. Wanzek, PT, PCS, CKTI, CLT, graduated from the Mayo Foundation School of Physical Therapy in 1974. Although she has specialized in pediatrics for the past forty years, she does treat across the life span. DeDe utilizes a holistic approach to evaluation and treatment. She incorporates myofascial release, muscle…

Read full bio

Chapters & learning objectives

1. History Taking and General Observation

This chapter will address the items that are important to cover in the history and why. General observation related to integrity of the breathing pattern will also be described.

2. Assessment of the Intercostal and Abdominal Muscles

This chapter will discuss and demonstrate the assessment of the intercostal muscles and the abdominal muscles. The results of the findings will also be discussed.

3. Assessment of the Shoulder Girdle

This chapter will discuss and demonstrate the assessment of the shoulder girdle muscles. The results of the findings will also be discussed. A worksheet will be utilized to provide a systematic approach to the assessment.

4. Assessment of the Chest

This chapter will discuss and demonstrate the visual assessment of the chest. The significance of the findings will be discussed. A worksheet will be utilized to provide a systematic approach to the assessment.

5. Assessment of the Pelvis

This chapter will discuss and demonstrate assessment of the pelvic girdle as related to breathing. Postural alignment/pelvic neutral of the pelvis will be emphasized. The significance of the findings will be discussed. A worksheet will be utilized to provide a systematic approach to the assessment.

6. Assessment of Breathing Patterns

Multiple compensatory breathing patterns will be presented. The most common patterns seen in the pediatric population will be elaborated upon.

More courses in this series

Musculoskeletal Components of the Rib Cage

Deanna M. Wanzek