Free Back Pain Exercises Physical Therapy Library
UPPER BACK & THORACIC Floor Mat • Beginner Discs: T2-T3, T3-T4, T4-T5, T5-T6, T6-T7, T7-T8, T8-T9

Side-Lying Thoracic Open Book

Prolonged computer use locks the rib cage and thoracic spine into rigid flexion. The Open Book isolates thoracic spine rotation without allowing compensatory lumbar twisting, freeing up facet joints from T1 to T10 and expanding chest capacity.

BIOMECHANICAL MOVEMENT DIAGRAM
Clinical back pain images demonstration - THORACIC ROTATION OPENER
THORACIC ROTATION OPENER
🎯 T-Spine & Rib Expansion

Step-by-Step Execution

CLINICAL PROTOCOL
  1. 1 Lie on your side with hips and knees bent to 90 degrees to lock the lumbar spine in neutral.
  2. 2 Extend both arms straight out in front of you on the floor, stacking your palms together.
  3. 3 Inhale and slowly lift your top arm up toward the ceiling and all the way over to the opposite side like opening a book.
  4. 4 Follow your moving hand with your eyes and turn your head with the movement.
  5. 5 Keep your knees glued together on the mat. Pause for 3 to 5 seconds, exhale, and return palms together.
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KEY FORM CUES

  • ✓ Keep your knees pressed together on the mat to ensure the rotation occurs in your upper back, not your hips.
  • ✓ Place a yoga block or pillow between your knees for extra lumbar stability.
⚠️

MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • ✗ Do not let your top knee lift away from the bottom knee as you rotate open.
  • ✗ Avoid rushing the movement.
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CONTRAINDICATIONS & WHEN TO AVOID

Do not perform this movement or modify strictly under clinical supervision if you have:

  • Acute rib fracture or costochondritis severe acute flare
SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS & CITATIONS

Clinical Biomechanics & Evidence

This exercise protocol utilizes proven spinal mechanics: active core co-contraction (McGill stabilization), directional preference extension (McKenzie MDT), and non-compressive axial elongation to facilitate nutrient exchange in the avascular intervertebral disc matrix.

• McGill, S.M. (2016). Low Back Disorders: Evidence-Based Prevention and Rehabilitation. Human Kinetics.
• Delitto, A., et al. (2021). Low Back Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT).
CLINICAL DOSAGE
Hold Duration 5 Seconds
Repetitions 10 rotations per side
Prescription Sets 2 sets
Difficulty Beginner
Position Floor Mat
TARGET MUSCLES
Thoracic Facet Joints Pectoralis Major & Minor Intercostal Muscles
STABILIZER MUSCLES
Anterior Deltoid Rhomboids Transverse Abdominis