12/13/2025
🌪️Thoracic Rotation 🌪️
The ability for the upper spine (aka thoracic spine) to be mobile and easily extend, flex, rotate and side bend is a critical element of healthy movement and athletic performance
Whether you are an athlete or just trying to stay active and in shape, here are three reasons why keeping your T-spine mobile is important!
1️⃣ Protects the Lower Back
* The lumbar spine (low back) is built for stability, not rotation. When your mid-back is stiff, your body compensates by forcing the lower back to twist instead, which leads to low back pain, stiffness, and disc issues over time.
2️⃣ Unlocks Shoulder & Overhead Power
* The shoulder blade rests on the thoracic spine. Without proper mid-back extension and rotation, your shoulder joint cannot move efficiently overhead. This causes shoulder impingement, neck strain, and loss of power in throwing, swimming, or pressing movements.
3️⃣ Enhances Athletic Performance & Posture:
* Rotational sports (golf, baseball, tennis) directly depend on thoracic rotation to generate and transfer power from the ground up. For everyone, better thoracic mobility improves posture (reducing that “hunch”) and allows the rib cage to expand fully for optimal breathing and recovery.
Needing some help with your spinal mobility or movement in general? Let’s chat!