Pectoralis Major Stretch
Supine (near the table edge) · Pectoralis major and front of the shoulder
An assisted stretch for the pectoralis major and front of the shoulder, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Position and focus
Supine (near the table edge) · Pectoralis major and front of the shoulder
Starting position
The client lies supine with the left shoulder near the edge of the table. The left arm is out to the side at 90 degrees, with the elbow bent and the forearm pointing towards the head.
Movement phases
1. Support the arm
Support the upper arm and the forearm.
2. Lower the arm
Keeping the elbow angle, lower the arm slightly below the height of the table.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch in the chest and any pain or numbness at the front of the shoulder.
4. Return the arm
Return the arm to the height of the table.
What the trainer checks
Check that there is no pain or numbness at the front of the shoulder and that the lower back is not arching.
Trainer information
Trainer position
Stand on the client's left (the side shown in the 3D) with your feet apart front to back, at a height that suits the table. Move by shifting your body weight rather than holding with the arms alone.
Contact and support
Place the palms on the front of the upper arm (near the elbow) and on the forearm.
Stabilisation
Check that the client is positioned so they cannot fall off the table.
Compensation
Arching of the lower back, trunk rotation, pain or numbness at the front of the shoulder.
Easier option
Reduce the range and let the weight of the leg or arm rest on a cushion or the table. Go back to checking a pain-free starting position.
Cues and consent
Tell the client where you will touch and which way you will move, and say, 'Tell me straight away if you feel any pain or discomfort.' Confirm consent before touching and before moving.
Stop criteria
Return to the starting position immediately if the client reports sharp pain, numbness, weakness, a pinching feeling in the joint, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety, or asks to stop.
The sources include material for clinicians and carers. This 3D is not yet fully reviewed as a studio procedure and does not replace hands-on training. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone.
Caution
Work within your qualifications, contract and studio procedures, and check medical history, medication and any pain before starting. This is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone. Do not use this with clients who have dislocated or partly dislocated the shoulder, or who feel the shoulder might slip out.
These English notes describe a prototype model. The stretch, foam roller and resistance band lessons are being produced under the supervision of CoconeRu. Move, reviewed in stages. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.
References
This lesson was put together for this site. It has not yet been reviewed by an expert.
About this page
It shows a typical way to do the movement. The 3D is a schematic model; it does not decide whether a lesson suits you, prescribe exercise or diagnose anything. Stop if you feel pain or discomfort.
Sources, supervision and revisions