BANDED RIB MOBILIZATION

The banded rib mobilization exercise is a rib joint exercise that is used to target the first rib. Start by looping a thick monster band over top the shoulder near the base of the neck. Anchor the other end down with your foot while you are standing. Raise the targeted side’s arm up to shoulder height and hold onto a stable object such as a doorframe, squat rack or exercise dowel. Begin to laterally flexing the cervical spine by bending the neck side to side. Complete the movement at a 4-5 second tempo. Attempt to reach full range of motion within tolerance.

Structures involved:

• Scalenes

• Upper trapezius

• Levator Scapulae

• First Rib

Related conditions:

• brachial plexopathy / brachial plexus impingement

• neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome / NTOS

• first rib dyfunction

• cervical dorsalgia

• spinal accessory nerve impingement

• elevated first rib

Exercise videos