Pectoral Stretch

The pec intervention quickly improved shoulder internal rotation from about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees. Stretching the pecs while controlling rib cage position and breathing was intended to relax them and improve thoracic and shoulder mobility. The working hypothesis was that the pecs could be acting as both postural stabilizers and accessory respiratory muscles. Holding a weight in the elevated left hand is intended to anchor the arm and improve the pectoral stretch. The left arm should be positioned at about 120 degrees of abduction. The second intervention targeted the pecs and anterior chest because horizontal abduction and shoulder internal rotation remained limited after heavy pressing history. The drill uses upper-body positioning and reaching to help the left pectoral relax.