Mobilization: Tennis Balls with Arm Circles
Target: Stiff or sore costotransverse joints in the thoracic spine (mid-back)
Lie face up with knees bent on the floor with 2 taped tennis balls placed in a stiff or sore segment of the thoracic spine. Use a pillow under the head for support. Raise both arms up to the ceiling and circumscribe circles in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Larger circles with provide greater intensity. Scoot up or down to move the balls to another segment. The balls can be used in the lumbar or thoracic spine, but NEVER on the cervical spine. Perform for 5+ minutes. This mobilization is most therapeutic at the end of the day.
