Hands-On Assists: Supine Twist

In a previous video, we explored how the thoracolumbar spine can only rotate about 30-45 degrees, and discussed how trying to force it to rotate more could create stress at the intervertebral and costovertebral joints. While there is certainly merit to attempting to rotate hypomobile segments of the spine, "cranking" ourselves or our students into deep twists may in the end do more harm than good (check out the revolved triangle video).

In this video, we explore an alternative to "deepening the rotation" in a supine twist and instead choose to incorporate some release work for:

• the pec major and minor, which can help open the chest and increase the mobility of the shoulder joint
• the forearm flexors, which can help release tension in these muscles and facilitate great wrist extension 
• the iliotibial band and lateral quadriceps muscle, which will help prevent IT band friction syndrome and patellofemoral tracking dysfunction

Enjoy, and let me know if you try any of this stuff!