PILATES MOTION ATLAS

Anterior Shoulder-Girdle Stretch | Assisted stretch in 3D

Anterior Shoulder-Girdle Stretch: supine, pectoralis minor region and shoulder girdle. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.

Pilates Motion Atlas editorial teamUpdated September 24, 2026

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A schematic 3D view of Anterior Shoulder-Girdle Stretch — One moment from the lesson model. Open 3D to follow the whole movement from any angle.

Position and focus

Supine · Pectoralis minor region and shoulder girdle

An assisted stretch for the pectoralis minor region and shoulder girdle, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.

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.

Instructor 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.

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. Stretch and foam roller lessons have not yet been reviewed by the supervising instructors. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.

This lesson was put together for this site. It has not yet been reviewed by an expert.

Assisted stretch

Pectoralis major and front of the shoulder