Thoracic Mobility Exercise

The thoracic mobility exercise provides a stretching force which elongates the muscles and connective tissue, helping to reduce kyphotic posture. Kyphosis is a condition where the muscles and connective tissue around the spine and shoulder girdle shorten resulting in an altered resting posture. This new hunched posture causes the scapula to protract around the rib cage, reduces external shoulder rotation and limits overhead shoulder motion. Stretching the pectoralis minor with exercises such as the thoracic mobility exercise help to prevent kyphosis. The doorway stretch can also lengthen the pectoral muscles and help correct posture.

The elderly or those with a large kyphotic posture should begin with a larger object such as a swiss ball when performing the thoracic mobility exercise. Progressing to a harder and small object such a foam roller will increase the force applied to the area.

Stretching is one part of the posture improvement process for kyphosis. Improving lower trapezius and spinal extensor activity through prone cobra, prone shoulder press, prone y's, reverse flys and bent over rows, will pull the sternum up and shoulders down helping to correct hunched posture

Remember to improve your posture in your day to day activities not only exercises