Postural Drainage Positions

Question 1

Upper lobe apical segments

Answer 1

Lean back on pillow 30 degree angle against therapist. Therapist claps with cupped hand over area between clavicle and top of scapula

Question 2

Upper lobe posterior segments

Answer 2

Flat table patient leans over folded pillow at 30 degree angle claps upper back on both sides

Question 3

Upper lobes anterior segments

Answer 3

Patient in supine on flat table with pillow under knees therapist claps between clavicle and nipple

Question 4

Right middle lobe

Answer 4

Table elevated 16 inches

Patient laying on left side 1/4 turn backward. Knees flexed therapist claps over R nipple area in females under armpit

Question 5

Left upper lobe lingular segment

Answer 5

Table elevated 16 inches
Head down in R side and rotates 1/4 turn backward
Clap over left nipple area

Question 6

Lower lobe anterior basal segments

Answer 6

Table elevated 20 inches
Patient lies on side, pillow under knees
Clap over lower ribs

Question 7

Lower lobes lateral basal segment

Answer 7

Foot of table 20 inches elevated
Patient lies on abdomen, head down, rotates 1/4 turn upward, upper leg flexed over pillow for support
Clap over uppermost portion is of lower ribs

Question 8

Lower lobes posterior basal segments

Answer 8

Table elevated 20 inches
Patient lies on abdomen, head down, pillow under hip.
Therapist claps over lower ribs close to spine

Question 9

Lower lobes superior segments

Answer 9

Bed or table flat

Patient lies on abdomen with two pillows under hips. Therapist claps over middle of back at tip of scapula