Episode 52: ScapuloThoracic series (2/7) - Modified quadruped thoracic mobility Building off yesterday's post, here are two movements to increase thoracic spine mobility. When it comes to movement at the spine, it is all dictated by up-gliding and down-gliding of the zygapophyseal joints with RESPECT to joint movement. Up-gliding bilaterally is flexion, versus unilateral up-glide and contralateral down glide, is associated with rotation and side-bending, depending on what side you're referencing. Bilateral down-gliding is associated with extension. What does all of this anatomical lingo mean? Regardless of the direction of joint glides, it increases mobility at those functional spinal units and helps you move more in your spine! The first exercise is performed in a quadruped position and depicts increasing thoracic rotation to the left. The next movement, utilizing arm movement and performing shoulder flexion to end range, SHOULD force your thoracic spine into extension. Performing these movements in quadruped, anchoring the hips to the ground with local stabilization, limits lumbar movement. Notice how the second movement I sit further back to 'lock out' my lumbar spine and to really isolate the mobilization movement at the thoracic spine. Being a grad student I struggle with my t-spine mobility from prolonged sitting and I even hinge at my lower t-spine a tiny bit! Clearly something I am working on, AGAIN do not forget to breathe throughout these exercises as that plays a vital role in relaxing muscles and making motion possible #tspine #thoracic #spine #rotation #mobility #golf ______________________________________________ The Prehab Guys: Optimizing human performance and functional capacity, promoting longevity, and keeping your body in tune one post at a time. Instilling new meaning into #physicaltherapy. Follow us on IG and Twitter, like our Facebook page, and make sure to visit www.humanperformancetherapy.com #prehab #fitness #healthandwellness #exercise #PT #DPT #DPTstudent #mobility #athlete #workout #recovery #rehab #prevention #rehabilitation #fitness #strengthandconditioning #correctiveexercise #stretching #crossfit #gainz #aesthetics #longevity (at University of Southern California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BCRKm_PlcZV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4hl9ga0p4kr4