Reaching Forward Upper Back Stretch

Technique:

• Stand straight
• Extend your arms forward, parallel to the ground
• Place one hand on top of the other
• Push your hands forward as far as possible
• Let your head fall forward

Primary muscles: Trapezius. Rhomboids.
Secondary muscles: Semispinalis capitis and cervicis. Spinalis capitis and cervicis. Longissimus capitis and cervicis. Splenius capitis and cervicis.

Injury where stretch may be useful: Neck muscle strain. Whiplash (neck sprain). Cervical nerve stretch syndrome. Wry neck (acute torticollis). Upper back muscle strain. Upper back ligament sprain.

Note: Concentrate on separating your shoulder blades as you reach forward with your hands.