Assisted Seated Thoracic Rotation | Assisted stretch in 3D
Assisted Seated Thoracic Rotation: seated (stool), thoracic rotation and pelvic stability. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.
Position and focus
Seated (stool) · Thoracic rotation and pelvic stability
An assisted stretch for the thoracic rotation and pelvic stability, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
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.
Instructor 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.
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
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.
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