Thoracic Spine Mobility & Its impact on the Shoulder
Thoracic Spine The thoracic spine is situated between the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (low back). The primary osteokinematic function (movement of bones) of the thoracic spine is rotation and, to a smaller degree, extension (bending the spine backward) and lateral bending. All strokes in tennis require some degree of rotation and extension. Inadequate mobility of the thoracic spine may have a deleterious effect upon the shoulder and reduction in stroke power output. Distribution of Spinal Movement in all…