Ribcage and Abdominal Control

Abdominal tension must be maintained during the overhead reach. During the overhead reach, the lower ribcage must stay dropped. Rib flare and spinal extension can make the motion appear like shoulder flexion without being true shoulder motion. Reaching the non-surgical arm toward the ceiling helps activate the opposite-side abdominals and keep the ribcage anchored. Arching the lower back and allowing the ribs to rise is a common compensation during shoulder flexion. The back should not arch during the overhead reach.