A Physical Therapist's Favorite Stretch

Jonathon Strefling, DPT • Oct 24, 2022

Not only does this feel great, but it just may be helpful in preventing back & shoulder pain.

If you missed the #1 exercise you should be doing every day, CLICK HERE. And for the #2 exercise, CLICK HERE.


The Exercise

This exercise falls into the category of "do this if you like it."

And I think you will like it. So here it is.


This is called the "Open Book" stretch.


I like to use a wall as a guide, but you don't need to.


I also like to keep my eyes on the moving hand to get the neck involved.


Another little progression you can add is to place your outside foot forward so that it causes more counter-rotation (more on why that may benefit you, below).


I normally do this if I've been at the computer for a while.


There are several variations of the "open book" stretch, which can be done laying on your side or on your back or in half kneeling among others.


Are There Any Benefits Besides Feeling Good?


It Seems like it. And here they are at least 2:

1. Low Back Pain & The Thoracic Spine

Remember the term "counter-rotation" I mentioned above?


This paper [1] found a relationship in walkers and runners between reduced counter-rotation and back pain. Those with no low back pain had the most counter-rotation. Those with one episode of low back pain had less counter-rotation, and those with chronic low back pain issues had the least counter-rotation.


This exercise will help get you this counter-rotation.

2. Shoulder Pain & The Thoracic Spine

In this study of collegiate softball players, the found that upper arm injury risk increases three times in cases of reduced thoracic spine rotation flexibility. [2]


In this study of 660 throwing athletes, they found that when thoracic rotation is included in injury prevention programs it was found to reduce the shoulder injury rate by 28%. [3]



I pray this helps you in stewarding your body to the glory of God.



We are the premier physical therapy clinic in Kalamazoo for sports injuries, with focus in tennis. Come in to see us if you are looking to perform better in your sport.


[1] Seay JF, Van Emmerik RE, Hamill J. Low back pain status affects pelvis-trunk coordination and variability during walking and running. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2011 Jul;26(6):572-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.11.012. Epub 2011 May 4. PMID: 21536356.

[2] Aragon VJ, Oyama S, Oliaro SM, Padua DA, Myers JB. Journal of athletic training. 2012 Sep;47(5):507-15.

[3] Andersson SH, Bahr R, Clarsen B, Myklebust G. British journal of sports medicine. 2017 Jul 1;51(14):1073-80. 


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