1Cervical Retraction
- Stand or sit with an upright posture.
- Draw the chin slightly down and back.
- The movement you are aiming for is a horizontal translation, like a lollypop on a stick.
- A prompt which may be helpful is “imagine giving yourself a double chin”.
- You will feel a gentle activation of the muscles in the anterior aspect of the neck.
2Row
- 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.
3Thoracic 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.