Assisted Supine Trunk Rotation
Supine · Lower back (trunk rotation)
An assisted stretch for the lower back (trunk rotation), observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Position and focus
Supine · Lower back (trunk rotation)
Starting position
The client lies supine with both knees bent and the knees and feet together. The trainer stands on the side towards which the knees will be lowered and places the hands on both knees.
Movement phases
1. Keep the knees together
Let the shoulders and back rest on the table.
2. Lower the knees
Slowly lower the knees, kept together, towards the trainer.
3. Check the response
Check for any lifting of the opposite shoulder and for a stretch in the lower back and back.
4. Return to centre
Keep supporting the knees as you return them to the centre.
What the trainer checks
Check that the opposite shoulder is not lifting off the table and that there is no pain in the lower back.
Trainer information
Trainer position
Stand on the side towards which the knees will be lowered.
Contact and support
Control the speed of the lowering at the outside of the nearer knee and place the other hand on top of the far knee.
Stabilisation
Ask the client to relax the shoulders, and stop just before the shoulder lifts.
Compensation
Lifting of the opposite shoulder, twisting only at the lower back, breath-holding.
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. For clients told they have osteoporosis, keep trunk twisting and rounding small.
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
Each note describes what the whole source covers.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS — Stretching Exercises with Assistance ↗
For helpers: where to support and how to move the shoulder (raising and opening), elbow and wrist, double knee hug, knee rolls, inner thigh, front of the hip lying on the side, front and back of the thigh, and ankle.
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