ABSTRACT
The primary muscles involved in balance are located in the neck, torso, hips, knees, and ankles. Reduced lateral flexion and rotation of the cervical spine and high thoracic spine can limit the individual's ability to utilize the neck during balance (Glickstein & Helminski, 1992). Simply asking clients to gently rotate the head to their right, looking over the right shoulder and holding for approximately 3 seconds, then to repeat to the left, is one way to help improve or maintain cervical range of motion. Lateral flexion can be improved or maintained by performing the exercise shown. Make sure no contraindications are present before performing these static stretch exercises or any other exercises. If stretch weakness occurs in the upper torso, the head will tilt down and forward and the shoulders will be rounded with the rib cage collapsed. It is important to try to develop both strengthening exercises and static stretches for the torso. Static stretches for the anterior deltoids, pectoralis major and minor, internal and external obliques, and the rectus abdominis muscles will help to improve posture. Constantly encourage the client to sit as tall as possible. On the other hand, if neck and upper back are spasmatic (tight), stretches can be performed to relax the tissues and increase flexibility. Statically stretch the trapezius, rhomboids, and latissimus dorsi muscles simply by lowering the chin toward the chest, extending the arms to the front, and rounding through the spine.
