Clinical Stories – part 1

Dietetics is the science that studies proper nutrition, and the young scientist appears to be well acquainted with it. What she may not be aware of, however, is that her lumbar spine struggles to maintain a neutral position. This is evidenced by the markedly hypertonic paraspinal muscles of her trunk (Fig. A) and the flexed position (+X) in which the local vertebrae find a stabilizing refuge (Fig. B). Physiotherapy, which addresses such issues, must now consider whether the young woman can continue participating in CrossFit and swimming—activities she is particularly passionate about.