Postural Drainage Flashcards
Flat table
Lean back 30° on pillow against therapist
PT clasps with cupped hand over area between clavicle and top of scapula on each side
Upper Lobe
Apical Segments
Table elevated 16”
Lay head down on left side and rotate ¼ turn backward. Pillow placed behind from shoulder to hip. Knees flexed
PT claps over right nipple area. Used cupped hand with heel of hand under armpit and fingers extended forward beneath breast in female patients
Middle Lobe
Right Middle Lobe
Table elevated 20”
Lay on stomach, head down, rotate ¼ turn upward. Upper leg flexed over pillow for support
PT claps over uppermost portion of lower ribs.
Lower Lobes
Lateral Basal Segments
Table elevated 20”
Lay on stomach, head down, and pillow under hips.
PT claps over lower ribs close to spine on each side
Lower Lobes
Posterior Basal Segment
Table elevated 16”
Lay head down on right side and rotate ¼ turn backward. Pillow placed behind from shoulder to hip. Knees flexed.
PT claps with moderate cupped hand over left nipple area. Use cupped hand with heel of hand under armpit and fingers extending forward beneath breast in female patients
Middle Lobe
Left Middle Lobe
Lingular Segments
Flat table
Lean over folded pillow at 30°
PT stand behind and claps over upper back on both sides
Upper Lobe
Posterior Segment
Table elevated 20”
Lay on side, head down, pillow under knees
PT claps with slightly cupped hand over lower ribs. If wanting to drain left anterior basal—lay on right side. If wanting to drain right anterior basal—lay on left side
Middle Lobe
Lower Middle lobe
Anterior Basal Segment
Flat table
Lay on back and pillow under knees
PT claps between clavicle and nipple on each side
Upper Lobe
Anterior Segment
Table flat
Lay on stomach with 2 pillows under hips.
PT claps over middle of back at tip of scapula on either side of spine
Lower Lobes
Superior Segments
