Assisted Seated Thoracic Rotation
Seated (stool) · Thoracic rotation and pelvic stability
An assisted stretch for thoracic rotation and pelvic stability, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Position and focus
Seated (stool) · Thoracic rotation and pelvic stability
Starting position
The client sits on a stool with the arms crossed in front of the chest. The trainer stands behind and places the hands on the front of the right shoulder and on the left shoulder blade.
Movement phases
1. Keep the pelvis forwards
With both feet flat on the floor, keep the pelvis facing forwards.
2. Rotate the chest
Guide the right shoulder backwards and the left shoulder blade forwards to turn the chest to the right.
3. Check the response
Check breathing, facial expression and any pain in the lower back.
4. Return to face forwards
Turn the chest back to face forwards.
What the trainer checks
Check that the pelvis and knees are not turning too, and that the client is not turning only the neck.
Trainer information
Trainer position
Stand behind the client where you can observe the rib cage and pelvis separately.
Contact and support
Place the palms broadly on the front of the right shoulder and on the left shoulder blade.
Stabilisation
Confirm the support through the soles of the feet and the seat, and keep the pelvis facing forwards.
Compensation
Pelvic rotation, twisting only at the lower back, neck rotation, 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.
NHS — Sitting exercises ↗
Chest stretch, upper body rotation and neck rotation in a chair.
This lesson was put together for this site from the methods for the same area in the sources above. 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