Shoulder Retraction Rehab Exercise

In the video above you will see one of Principle Four Osteopathy clients performing an exercise that focuses on retracting and pulling the scapular towards the opposite hip.  This is a great starting point for those needing to work on improving scapular control and the muscles associated with this.  I have prescribed this exercise to be performed on one side of the body so that the individual can focus purely on one shoulder only so that they can concentrate and look to pull the scapular back and down whilst aiming to avoid increased activation of the upper trap and levator scapular.  Individuals often presenting with shoulder complaints will often find it difficult and challenging to perform this movement due to compensatory movements that they have developed over time.

This blog post was written by osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy. Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD leading Osteopathy clinics. At the clinic we treat a wide range of clients, ranging from the office worker, exercise enthusiast to athlete. We have 3 experienced osteopaths working across both of the clinics. The Melbourne City CBD clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation. The Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation. To speak to an Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.