Thoracic Rotation Stretches for Golfers, Tennis Players and Baseball Athletes Rotational sports require more than simply twisting harder. The hips, pelvis, trunk, rib cage, upper back, shoulders, and arms must share motion and transfer force in the correct sequence. When the middle and upper back do not rotate comfortably, the body may attempt to create that motion elsewhere. Common compensations may include: Excessive lower-back rotation Shoulder strain Loss of hip control P

You may be able to hold a regular plank—but can your core keep you stable when your body is loaded from one side? That is where the side plank becomes especially valuable. Running, golfing, skiing, cycling, lifting, and field sports rarely challenge your body in a perfectly symmetrical position. One leg accepts your weight. Your torso rotates. Your arms and legs generate force in different directions. Your core must keep your spine and pelvis controlled through all of it. Sid

Can you bring your arm into a throwing position without your shoulder feeling tight, pinchy, or unstable? Shoulder external rotation is important for much more than throwing a baseball. It contributes to the backswing in golf, overhead lifting, swimming, serving in tennis, reaching behind your head, and many other athletic movements. When that motion is limited, athletes often compensate by: Arching the lower back Flaring the ribs Rotating the entire torso Shrugging the shoul