The thoracic stretch or ‘towel stretch’ is a fantastic stretch for all of us that suffer with ‘pc posture’. Typically people that spend long periods of time at a computer will develop ‘pc posture’. This is recognised by rounded shoulders hanging forward, tight pectorals and a forward bend in the mid to upper part of your spine.

If you hang your hands by your sides and relax, looking forward, take note of where your hands hang. If they are hanging in front of your body, there is a good chance that you have ‘pc posture’. Also look at your side profile in the mirror:

• Is your head protruding forwards?
• Do you have a small bump at the top of your spine where your neck starts?
• Is your upper back rounding forwards?

If you answer yes to any of these questions then the following stretch is ideal for you. If neglected, aside from the aesthetic issue, ‘pc posture’ can results in:

• back pain,
• shoulder pain,
• neck pain and headaches.

In fact for some people this can be so severe they are unable to continue to work and need long periods of corrective work.So Stretch!!

1) Roll up a towel into a tight roll

2) Lay over the towel so it runs across your body, bridging your shoulder blades

3) Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor

4) Relax your head down to the floor

5) Stretch your arms over your head to the floor, breath and relax - see picture from our newsletter (sign up now if you haven’t already, box on left of screen)

You can move the towel up by a few centimeters and down by a few, to get a good thorough stretch. Stay there for a minute or so and make sure you relax. It is possible that you might get some tingling in the fingers, if so, just relax them by your side and then resume the position.

If the stretch causes you abnormal discomfort, cease doing it immediately.

The stretch works by easing your body into extension whilst you relax. Perform the stretch twice daily four times per week to see great imporvements in your posture in no time.

Go slow and enjoy!