Yes Carl, I will recycle this picture forever

even a slightly depressed sternum makes this exercise difficult to do

also make sure their scapula are set, but only using just enough effort, not maximal

image from http://traylbodywork.com/technique/thoraic-spine-mobility/





a good end range cervical retraction needs the upper thoracic and some mid thoracic ability to handle loading

try some light IASTM to the upper and mid thoracic paraspinals, then have the patient try the movement again





3) The patient is not relaxed during the movement

I use the cue, "push farther" not "push harder" for self generated overpressure

with or without overpressure, often, the patient struggles to get to end range and irradiation of the cervical flexors along with the upper traps occur

make sure these muscles are relaxed during the movement

the overpressure should be given at their active end range, not throughout the range, as this often facilitates the cervical flexors If I could think of two more quick tips, I would have posted this on Friday! Remember to exhaust other options prior to abandoning what may be the patient's directional preference.





Keeping it Eclectic...

Is you cervical or TMD patient benefiting from your OA distractions and/or subcranial shear distractions, but the same technique performed via HEP flares them up? Here are a few tips to try before you abandon this great reset.1) Make sure they're sitting or standing upright2) Thoracic mobility is also important for this movement