The basic articulations:
- Flexion
- Extension
- Lateral Flexion
- Rotation
The Thoracic CAR (controlled articular rotation):
- Begin standing and cross hands over the opposite shoulders
- Flex the thoracic spine by curling in towards the front of the body
- Turn towards one side for rotation at end range
- While in rotation, start to side bend into lateral flexion
- Move towards the back of the body to extend the thoracic spine
- Side bend towards the opposite side into lateral flexion
- At the same rotate the thoracic spine to that same side
- End by returning to thoracic flexion
- Always express current end ranges
- Maintain stability in the lumbar and cervical spine
- Repeat again or in the opposite direction if desired