Anterior Shoulder-Girdle Stretch
Also called Pec Minor Stretch · Supine · Pectoralis minor region and shoulder girdle
An assisted stretch for the pectoralis minor region and shoulder girdle, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Position and focus
Supine · Pectoralis minor region and shoulder girdle
Starting position
The client lies supine with the left arm by the side. The trainer stands on the left side and places the hands on the front of the shoulder and the upper arm.
Movement phases
1. Support the shoulder
Place the palm broadly on the front of the shoulder.
2. Press the shoulder down
Slowly press the front of the shoulder towards the table, slightly diagonally outwards.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch in the upper chest and any numbness in the arm.
4. Release the hand
Slowly release the pressure.
What the trainer checks
Check that you are not pressing hard on the bony prominence and that there is no numbness in the arm.
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 palm broadly on the front of the shoulder (near the coracoid process) and support the upper arm with the other hand.
Stabilisation
The other shoulder rests on the table.
Compensation
Numbness in the arm, tension in the neck.
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.
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