Banded Latissimus Contract-Relax

Dr. Russell Linville, DPT, OCS, SCS

Dynamic Warm-Up

Upper Extremity Focus

Series 1, Movement #6/7

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Place arm up and through a thick mobility band.
  2. Turn and face towards where the band is anchored.
  3. Place arm into a “Y” position.
  4. Slowly lean/lunge forward until you feel a stretch in the latissimus/back/armpit.
  5. Contract your into the resistance of the band for 3-5 seconds, then relax.
  6. Upon relaxing, take a deep breath and lean forward, increasing stretch.
  7. Repeat up to 10 times, and perform on the other side.

TIPS:

  • You should feel a stretch, not a pinch. If you are getting a “pinch,” work on glenohumeral joint mobility and readdress.
  • Change the angle of your shoulder to target different fibers.
  • Maintain a neutral spine, don’t let lumbar hyperextend/hyperlordosis

TARGETS:

  • Posterior shoulder flexibility, shoulder mobility