Step-by step guide to the side lying thoracic rotation exercise

Maximize effectiveness: Tips for patients and practitioners

Step-by step guide to the side lying thoracic rotation exercise

Maximize effectiveness: Tips for patients and practitioners

video camera icon

1. Step-by-step video on how to do the side lying thoracic rotation

Icon of a checkbox

2. How to perform the side lying thoracic rotation? Follow these instructions:

Step 1
Lie on your side with the bottom leg straight and the top leg bent.
Step 2
Stretch your bottom arm out in front of you as far as you can.
Step 3
Place the hand of your top arm on the opposite shoulder, and rotate your body backwards, stretching throughout your spine.
Step 4
Step 5
Prescribe. Educate. Engage.

Unlock Physitrack - all in one platform for practitioners!
Start your 30-day free trial today.
Get Started
Various devices showing the Physitrack UI
Want to receive your exercise programs via app?

Refer your physiotherapist and start using PhysiApp!
Leave clinic details
Mobile devices showing the user interface of Phystrack
Icon of a checkbox

3. About the side lying thoracic rotation

  • Start in a side lying position on a flat surface
  • Keep the hips and knees bent at a 90 degree angle
  • Gently rotate the upper body up and reach the arm in the opposite direction
  • Hold the stretch for 30 seconds
  • Slowly return to the starting position and repeat the exercise on the other side
Icon of a checkbox

4. List benefits of side lying thoracic rotation

Here are some potential benefits of performing this exercise:

  • Improves shoulder and hip mobility
  • Strengthens core and glutes
  • Increases flexibility of the spine
  • Helps to alleviate chronic lower back pain and improve posture
  • Stimulates the digestion system through massage of the internal organs in the abdomen.
Icon of a checkbox

5. FAQ on side lying thoracic rotation

What muscles does side lying thoracic rotation target?
Plus iconMinus icon

Side lying thoracic rotation targets the oblique muscles, the intercostal muscles, and the latissimus dorsi.

What is the correct form for side lying thoracic rotation?
Plus iconMinus icon

The correct form for side lying thoracic rotation is to lie on one side with the feet stacked and the knees bent. Place one hand on the floor in front of the body for support. Rotate the upper body away from the floor and hold for a few seconds before returning to the starting position.

What is the best way to progress the difficulty of side lying thoracic rotation?
Plus iconMinus icon

The best way to progress the difficulty of side lying thoracic rotation is to increase the range of motion. You can do this by adding a weight to the end of the movement, such as a light dumbbell or a medicine ball, or by adding a band around the torso to add resistance. You can also increase the duration of the hold at the end range of motion to increase the challenge.

What are the most common mistakes when doing side lying thoracic rotation?
Plus iconMinus icon

The most common mistakes when doing side lying thoracic rotation are not keeping the shoulder down, not keeping the spine in neutral alignment, and not rotating the thoracic spine enough. Additionally, it is important to keep the hips and pelvis stable during the exercise.

What are the benefits of side lying thoracic rotation?
Plus iconMinus icon

Side lying thoracic rotation is a great exercise for improving mobility in the thoracic spine. It can help to improve posture, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase range of motion. It can also help to strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can help to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, it can help to improve coordination and balance.

Prescribe. Educate. Engage.

Unlock Physitrack - all in one platform for practitioners!
Start your 30-day free trial today.
Get Started
Various devices showing the Physitrack UI
Want to receive your exercise programs via app?

Refer your physiotherapist and start using PhysiApp!
Leave clinic details
Mobile devices showing the user interface of Phystrack

Thank you for using our exercises!

We would love to know just one thing about you to help us improve these pages

What do you currently use as the main form for assigning exercises to your patient?

Next
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.