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Physiotherapist Ariane McCormack
Updated 29-5-25
Additional Notes
  • Please do shrugs and scapula retraction pain free before adding the band. Once you are using the band, please do 4 times a week.
1Scapula Retraction
5 sets
5 seconds
  • Come into an upright standing or sitting position with the head stacked over the pelvis and the chin slightly tucked down.
  • Draw the shoulder blades together and hold as instructed by therapist.
  • Return to the start position with control, maintaining an upright posture.
Ariane McCormack Peak Physio

Five times a day please

2Shrug
2 sets of 20 reps
  • In a standing or sitting position, let arms rest naturally by your side.
  • From here, bring the top of your shoulders up towards your ears.
  • Hold as per Physiotherapist recommendations.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat as per physiotherapist instruction.
Ariane McCormack Peak Physio

Please do pain free before adding band

3Shrug
2 sets of 15 reps
  • Place the band under feet holding the ends in each hand.
  • Gently direct the lifting of shoulder towards the back of your ears.
  • Slowly lower to the starting position and repeat as per physiotherapist instructions.
Ariane McCormack Peak Physio

With red band once shrugs are pain free

4Row
2 sets of 20 reps
  • Secure the resistance band to a door handle or pole.
  • Keep the resistance point in line with the belly button.
  • With a proud chest and thumbs pointing towards the roof, pull the band. back maintaining the bend in the elbow.
  • As you pull back, focus on squeezing the shoulder blades together.
  • Control the return.

Ariane McCormack Peak Physio

Once scapula retraction is pain free please

5Book Opening
5 sets
  • 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

Each side morning and evening