Assisted Seated Side Bend | Assisted stretch in 3D
Assisted Seated Side Bend: seated (stool), thoracic side-bending and side of the trunk. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.
Position and focus
Seated (stool) · Thoracic side-bending and side of the trunk
An assisted stretch for the thoracic side-bending and side of the trunk, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Starting position
The client sits on a stool with the right arm raised and the elbow bent. The trainer stands behind and places the hands near the elbow of the raised arm and on the top edge of the right side of the pelvis.
Movement phases
1. Hold the pelvis
Lightly hold down the top edge of the right side of the pelvis.
2. Lean to the side
Guide the raised arm up and to the left, tilting the upper body to the left.
3. Check the response
Check the stretch along the right side of the trunk, any compression on the left side of the lower back, and breathing.
4. Return to centre
Bring the upper body back upright.
What the trainer checks
Check that the right buttock is not lifting and that the upper body is not leaning forwards.
Instructor information
Trainer position
Stand behind the client where you can observe the rib cage and pelvis separately.
Contact and support
Place the hands on the upper arm of the raised arm (near the elbow) and on the top edge of the right side of the pelvis.
Stabilisation
Keep the right side of the pelvis resting on the seat.
Compensation
Lifting of the buttock, leaning forwards, side-bending only at the lower back.
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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