Procaryote
Back · Mobility

Thoracic Spine Extension Seated on Chair

Thoracic Spine Extension Seated on Chair, 3 sets, 10 repetitions

Illustration of the Thoracic Spine Extension Seated on Chair exercise

Listen to the instructions

How to do the exercise

Sets: 3

Repetitions: 10

Description: Sit on a chair with a straight or slightly rounded back. Inhale, open your chest backward by extending your upper back, squeezing or depressing your shoulder blades, and gently raising your arms if possible. Exhale, return to the neutral position, keeping your neck relaxed and your chest open.

Tips: Look forward or slightly upward without straining your neck. Move slowly to effectively open the thoracic spine. Do not overextend if you feel discomfort.

Progression: Gradually increase the number of repetitions up to 15 per set, and add a short 2-second pause in the extension position to deepen the mobilization.

At a glance

Goal
Mobility
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Chair
Starting position
Upright seated on a chair, back straight or slightly rounded
Clinical goal
Improve thoracic spine mobility
Also known as
seated upper back extension, seated thoracic mobilization, chest opening on chair

Precautions

Avoid this exercise, or check with your physiotherapist first, if you have:

Are you a physiotherapist?

Add this exercise to a personalised program in Physia: the AI builds the program in 30 seconds from the condition, then you send it to your patient by link, QR code or email.

Create a program for free Discover the software

Patient? Ask your physio to send your program to the free Physia Move app. Open Physia Move

Similar exercises — Back

Trunk Inclination with StickTrunk inclination with stick, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, pelvis and trunk control Active lumbar extension against a wallActive lumbar extension against a wall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Active Lumbar Flexion Mobilization Against a WallActive lumbar flexion mobilization against a wall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Active Thoracic Rotation on KneesActive thoracic rotation on knees, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Active-assisted trunk flexion with SwissBallActive-assisted trunk flexion with SwissBall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Child's Pose on SwissBallChild's pose on SwissBall, 3 sets, hold for 30 seconds Controlled Lateral LungeControlled lateral lunge, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Dead Bug for Lumbar Motor ControlDead bug, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side

See all back exercises →

This information is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Ask your physiotherapist or doctor before starting, especially if you have pain, a recent injury or have had surgery.