Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1102144
Ta k e 5 a n d t r y A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 73 left lateral flexion is to cross the arms (Image 10). However, the disadvantage to our body mechanics is that this posture requires us to use pectoralis musculature and tends to round our body forward. Regarding stabilization, bringing the client's neck into left lateral flexion will tend to elevate the right shoulder girdle and trunk, which would decrease the effectiveness of the stretch. To prevent this, we place our other hand on the superior surface of the client's right shoulder girdle (Image 9A). Placing the right (upper) arm against the core of the body allows this force to also be generated from the core, sparing our shoulder joint from the physical stress needed to stabilize the client. It should be mentioned that asking the client to lie as far to the right side of the table (the side of the musculature being stretched) as possible prevents us having to round our back to lean over the table. The optimal placement for the therapist is to sit at the right corner of the table. This allows us to optimally place our core in line with the stretch and stabilization forces we are generating. Stretching Rotators Stretching rotator musculature is performed by moving the client's neck into rotation to the opposite side. To stretch the right rotator functional group, we bring the client's neck into left rotation; to stretch the left rotator functional group, we bring the client's neck into right rotation. The therapist can use two hands to bring the client's neck into rotation (Images 11A and 11B). Given that rotation of the neck might cause the trunk to rotate with it, the client's trunk can be stabilized to prevent this rotation. If we are stretching the client's neck to the left, we can use one hand to rotate the client's neck while using the other hand on the anterior surface of the client's right upper trunk to stabilize it, preventing it from rotating to the left (Image 11C). Stretching Extensors Stretching the extensor functional group of musculature involves bringing the client's head/neck into flexion (Image 12). Both hands can be used to bring the client's head and neck into flexion. But, given that neck flexion might result in the trunk flexing as well, thereby losing the stretching tension force in the neck, the trunk might need to be stabilized. This can be accomplished by using the forearms to flex the head/neck while the hands are placed on the superior aspect of the anterior trunk. Stretching Flexors Stretching the functional group of neck flexors is done by bringing the client's neck into extension. Although this can be done with the client prone, it is usually easier to perform this stretching protocol by placing the client supine with their head off the end of the table (Image 13). The table stabilizes the trunk from extending with the neck, so no stabilization hand is needed. Note: This position of extension can be challenging for some clients, especially elderly clients, and should be performed with care. 10 11A 11B 11C Stretching the neck into left lateral flexion by crossing the arms. Stretching the client's neck into left rotation stretches the right rotator functional group. Stretching the client's neck into right rotation stretches the left rotator functional group. Stabilization of the right upper trunk, preventing it from rotating to the left.