T-Spine Rotation Exercise Coaching Points
Purpose: This exercise increases thoracic spine (T-Spine) mobility while minimizing low back involvement.
Setup:
- Start in a quadruped position: knees under hips, hands under shoulders, and spine in a neutral position.
- For the first position, place one hand on the upper back or the back of the neck. Avoid pulling down or putting pressure on the neck with your hand.
Action:
- Rotate your torso by leading with your eyes, head, and shoulder, moving as far as possible toward the hand on the floor.
- Reverse the motion by leading with your eyes, head, and shoulder, rotating upwards as far as possible.
- Maintain the position of the opposite arm with the elbow extended throughout the movement.
- Keep the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine aligned during the rotation.
- For the second position, change the hand placement to the lower back with the palm facing up and repeat the exercise.
Return:
- Bring the hand back to its starting position under the shoulder.
- Return to the full quadruped position before repeating the exercise or switching sides.