Which OMT technique is used to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia after cesarean section?

• A. Thoracic pump
• B. Rib raising
• C. Paraspinal inhibition
• D. Lymphatic pump

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that preventing post-op lung collapse relies on techniques that actively promote chest wall movement and help clear secretions. The thoracic pump does this by applying gentle, rhythmic compression to the thorax, which encourages deeper breathing and improves movement of the ribs and sternum. This enhances ventilation, helps re-expand small airways, and boosts thoracic lymphatic flow, which aids in clearing mucus. After a cesarean section, pain and splinting often limit deep breaths, raising the risk of atelectasis and pneumonia; the thoracic pump directly counters that by promoting better lung expansion and secretion clearance.

Rib raising mainly aims to improve rib cage mobility but doesn’t actively drive thoracic expansion and lymphatic drainage as consistently. Paraspinal inhibition targets surrounding muscle tension without a direct effect on airway expansion. Lymphatic pump techniques improve lymphatic flow overall but are less specifically tied to improving thoracic ventilation and preventing alveolar collapse right after surgery. So, the thoracic pump is the most effective choice for this scenario.