Supported Cross-Body Stretch | Assisted stretch in 3D
Supported Cross-Body Stretch: supine, back of the shoulder and horizontal adduction. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.
Position and focus
Supine · Back of the shoulder and horizontal adduction
An assisted stretch for the back of the shoulder and horizontal adduction, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Starting position
The client lies supine with the left arm pointing towards the ceiling. The trainer stands on the left side and places the hands on the outside of the elbow and the forearm.
Movement phases
1. Support the arm
Support the arm in the position pointing towards the ceiling.
2. Bring the arm across
From the outside of the elbow, bring the arm towards the opposite shoulder.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch at the back of the shoulder and any lifting of the shoulder blade.
4. Return the arm
Return the arm to point towards the ceiling.
What the trainer checks
Check that the whole body is not turning.
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 palms on the outside of the elbow and on the forearm.
Stabilisation
Watch that the trunk does not rotate.
Compensation
Trunk rotation, lifting of the shoulder blade.
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.
References and scope
Cambridge University Hospitals — Seated stretches ↗
In a chair: arm across the body, hugging yourself to widen the back, opening the chest, side stretch, back of the thigh, calf, and neck (forwards, sideways and diagonally forwards).
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.
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