Spinal Activation Stretches

Spinal Activation stretches have been developed to counter one of the most intrusive and common aggravators of pain in todays society. With the advent of the modern lifestyle we have needed to adapt to an environment and technology that pushes us into an increasingly constant flexed position.

Vladimir Janda first noted this phenomenon in 1979 with his development of the upper and lower crossed syndromes.

With consideration of the tensegrity model of physiology the concept of the crossed syndromes can be expended across most joints in the body.

The Spinal Activation stretches work by targeting the nervous systems ability to regulate the posture and then reprogramming it to a more natural and balanced position.

The Core Four

Shoulders

The shoulder stretch is a fundamental base over which the other stretches, especially the neck, are built. The shoulder stretch allows the shoulders to sit back into a more rested and natural position

Neck

The neck stretches have become significantly more important after the introduction of smart phones. The increased precedence of “tech neck” as we adapt to these devices will trigger pain as well as postural dysfunction over time.

Thoracic

The thoracic stretches play a supportive role for the neck and shoulders and are an important part of providing flexibility to these regions.

Lumbar

The lumbar stretches help provide a stable yet functional base for the spine to operate. Stretching this area helps to address some of the problems found in the “lower crossed syndrome”