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Physiotherapist Ariane McCormack
Updated 2-6-25
1Book Opening
  • Lie on your side with your head supported and your knees bent up to 80-90 degrees.
  • Place your arms in front of you in front of your chest with hands together.
  • Lift your top arm up and over your body towards the floor behind you drawing a semicircle.
  • Rotate with the breastbone and ensure the pelvis remains still.
  • Hold at the end of movement for a breath.
  • Lift the arm up and reverse the semicircle movement until back at the start.
  • Complete as per Physiotherapist guidelines.
Ariane McCormack Peak Physio

As needed

2Banana Stretch – Quadratus Lumborum
  • Find a wall/doorway that can be gripped with the hands.
  • Stand close to the doorway and grab with both hands.
  • Draw the side of the body that’s furthest away for the wall outwards until you feel a stretch up the side of the body.
Ariane McCormack Peak Physio

You can do this on the floor

3Thoracic Rotation
2 sets
5 seconds
  • Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the ground.
  • Position a resistance band behind your upper back, ensuring it’s secure but not too tight.
  • Gently flex your torso forward.
  • Flex to one side (toward your chosen direction).
  • While in this side-flexed position, push the band toward the same side and rotate your chest in that direction.
  • Slowly return to your starting position.
  • Repeat the movement as directed by your physiotherapist.
Ariane McCormack Peak Physio

As needed with band

4Thoracic Extension
  • Starting position: Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Position a foam roller horizontally behind you, just beneath your shoulder blades.
  • Lean back so your upper back rests on the foam roller and place your hands behind your head to support your neck, keeping your elbows wide.
  • Engage your core slightly to avoid overarching your lower back.
  • Lower your buttocks to the floor to maintain support.
  • Slowly arch your upper back over the foam roller, allowing your spine to gently extend. Focus on opening up through the chest without straining the neck.
  • Pause briefly at the end of the movement, then return to the starting position by engaging your core.
  • Gradually adjust the position of the foam roller up or down your thoracic spine and repeat to target different segments.
  • Complete repetitions as prescribed by your physiotherapist.
Ariane McCormack Peak Physio

As needed

5Hip Internal and External Rotation
  • Lie down on the back on a comfortable surface.
  • Bend the knees so the feet are flat on the ground and keep the shoulders flat on the ground.
  • Take the knees towards the same side allowing the hips to move off the mat as comfortable.
  • Draw the knees back to centre and slowly take them to the opposing side.
  • Repeat as per Physiotherapist guidelines.