• Improving Thoracic Mobility
• Money Moves

Unfortunately, they may not work for everyone. If this is the case, or if you are simply looking for another tool to add to your arsenal, take a shot at performing the “Wall Slide”. This is one of those exercises that aims to improve both your thoracic posture and scapular positioning. It’s not an easy exercise…but it sure is effective.

Performing the following exercise:

• The individual starts in a seated position on the floor with the buttocks and back flush against a wall.
• The knees and hips are flexed as much as possible, paying attention that the buttocks do not round away from the wall.
• The neck is in a neutral position
• The shoulders and elbows are in a 90 / 90 position with the elbows and hands in constant contact with the wall at all times.
• The individual is asked to press his/ her lower back as close to the wall as possible to “lock out” the lumbar spine and minimize arching throughout the movement. This is especially important when one reaches the top of the exercise.
• The individual is asked to slide his / her arms up the wall, ensuring that they are not shrugging their shoulders.
• Upon reaching the top of the movement (this is where they feel that they cannot go any further), they are asked to take one diaphragmatic breath, both inhaling and exhaling with minimal tension. Note: this breath was not included in the video below but is highly recommended.
• The arms are brought back down following the full breath and the movement is repeated.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

This is a fantastic issue with topics such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Neurodynamic testing for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Reciprocal Inhibition (stretching), among others. I highly recommend anyone and everyone in manual therapy and rehabilitation to check it out.

On another note, I just received word that my case study on “costochondritis” has been accepted for publication. That makes two papers in press…AWESOME!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Part 2: The research behind the technique

Part 3: What is P.A.I.L’s™ and how is it used in this system?

Part 4: Assessment techniques, and how the system sets itself apart

For more information on Functional Range Release and any of Dr. Spina’s other seminars, please visit Functional Anatomic Palpations Systems.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

I’m not exactly talking about the wonders of the footballer for self-myofascial release, although I do think these are more effective than regular stretching in many cases. Nor am I speaking about multidirectional ankle mortise mobilizations. The external assistance that I speak of actually comes from a medial arch support.

A recent study published in JOSPT, examined the effect of Standing Wall Stretching on a number of variables in subjects with “neutral” foot alignment and in those with “flat” feet. The variables examined were:

• Displacement of the myotendinous junction (DMTJ) of the medial gastrocnemius
• Rearfoot angle
• Navicular height

The main finding of this study was that following the stretching protocol, the difference in DMTJ was significantly greater in those with flat feet (pes planus). Therefore, for those of you who recommend the Standing Wall Stretch to improve gastrocnemius length, it may be wise to use a medial arch support in those athletes presenting with Pes Planus.

Photo source

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.