21 (955)

2.2.2B. Therapy for the pectoralis major, sternocostal part. Unilateral stretching.

Starting Position: P: Supine; knees and hips flexed to stabilize lumbar and thoracic regions and to prevent lumbar spine lordosis; smali, firm cushion may be placed between scapulae to permit maximum shoulder movement; support under head and neck; chin tucked in to protect cervical spine; thorax stabilized to couch with a belt; arm flexed above head. T: Standing with left side towards right side of P’s head.

Grip: T’s left hand grips medial side of P’s upper arm just above the elbow. T holds P's arm tiexed and fully laterally rotated in the position of greatest restriction, between fuli flexion and 90° abduction at the shoulder. P's forearm lies along T's forearm with P’s hand against the medial side of T’s upper arm. Ts right hand presses against P’s sternum to stabilize the thorax.

Procedurę: Using this grip, T gradually and fully flexes at P’s shoulder.

Stimulation of Antagonists: T reverses left-hand grip (to under P’s arm). T then asks P to move further in the direction of stretching, and resists that movement to stimulate P's antagonists.

Notę: Stabilization of the thorax is easier if both sides are stretched simultaneously, see therapy 2.2.2A., p. 20.

Fig. 4b. Finał Position.

21