Rib Cage Variability

For most clients, restoring variability in the rib cage, hips, and shoulders is more useful than repeatedly coaching spinal extension itself. A rib cage that lacks bucket-handle and pump-handle motion makes spinal extension more challenging. Hip extension can be more useful than direct spinal extension instruction for improving spinal extension. Shoulder flexion can contribute to spinal extension capacity when the arms reach overhead during extension tasks. Shortened or concentrically oriented hip flexors can limit full spinal extension by preventing the pelvis and hips from allowing the movement. Movement intervention decisions should identify whether a person needs more rib cage bend or more rib cage straightening, among other missing options.