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Welcome to Bob and Brad

1 hour ago
2 min read

NECK


1. Check flexion. Can your chin touch your chest?

Mike is standing and looking down with his neck flexed.

2. Check Extension. How far can you extend your head back? Look in the mirror or film.

Mike is standing looking up with his neck extended.

3. Rotation both ways - mirror or film.

Mike is standing and turning his head to the right and then to the left.

4. Side bending both ways - mirror or film.

Mike is standing and flexing his neck to the side. First, he brings his right ear to his right shoulder, and then his left ear to his left shoulder.

SHOULDERS


They may lack range of motion, and you may not know it. You will need two pieces of tape. Tape on the wall for an initial mark and a second piece for noted future improvement.

Mike is standing facing a wall. His right hand is on a piece of tape on the wall and then above the tape. The tape is just above eye level.

1. Shoulder flexion – (both sides)

Mike is standing with his right arm raised up at a 135-degree angle.

2. Shoulder abduction – (both sides)

Mike is standing with his right arm out to the side at a 135-degree angle.

3. Shoulder internal rotation – (both sides). Use tape to measure how far up your back you can reach. Compare right side to left side.

Mike is standing and reaching his right hand up his back with a piece of tape and then his left hand, which is below the tape.

4. Shoulder extension – (both sides)

Mike is standing and extending his right arm behind him.

CHEST


1. Pectoralis Major Test: Upper fibers - normal length – flat on back with arms held out at a 90- degree angle (cross-shaped). Arms should be able to touch the floor or mat.

Mike is lying on his back on a mat table with his arms extended out at 45-degree angles.

2. Lower fibers - flat on back - normal length held at a 120-degree angle (Y-shaped). Arms should be able to touch the floor or mat. Also, while in this position, you are able to prevent the back from arching.

Mike is lying on his back on a mat table with his arms raised over his legs. The right arm is higher than the left arm.

3. Another way is to check the pectoralis major. Place your fingers behind your neck and see if your elbows can be placed flat on the ground.

Mike is lying on his back on a mat table with his arms flexed and hands behind his head. His left elbow is higher off the mat than his right.

4. Another way is to check the pectoralis major. Check for hand position in a normal resting hang. Are the palms of the hands facing backward (tight) or towards each other (normal)?


5. Pectoralis Minor. Lie on your back with arms at your sides. If unable to keep the scapula (shoulder blade) or humerus (arm bone) on the ground, your Pectoralis Major may be tight. If able to keep both flat – normal length. Can also check by leaning back against a wall.

Mike is lying on the floor his left shoulder is a few inches off the floor while his right shoulder is on the floor.

See the full Stretching & More Fitness Program. Includes all videos and printable guide sheets.

A poster from Anatomystuff.com showing muscles while performing different stretches.
Image Provided by AnatomyStuff

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More Resources

Are Your Neck, Shoulder, or Chest Muscles Tight? How to Tell

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Are Your Neck, Shoulder, or Chest Muscles Tight? How to Tell

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