Stomach Massage: Rotation

Plane of Motion

Sagittal & Transverse

Spring Setting

Medium

1 Medium & 1 Light Spring or

2 Medium Springs

Muscle Focus

Spinal Flexors

Rectus Abdominis, External Oblique, Internal Oblique

Keep the spine in flexion/ c-curve.
Pull the carriage closed with the anterior spinal stabilizer.

Spinal Rotators

External Oblique (opposite side), Internal Oblique (same side), Erector Spinae (same side), Semispinalis (opposite side), Deep Posterior Spinal Group (opposite side)

Rotates the spine.

Anterior & Posterior Spinal Stabilizers

Transversus Abdominis, Erector Spinae, Semispinalis, Deep Posterior Spinal Group

Keeps the spine lifted up out of the hips in c-curve.
Provide lumbo-pelvic stabilization.
Work with the spinal flexors to draw the carriage closed.

Other Muscles at Play

Hip flexors assist the spinal flexors to pull the carriage closed.
Hip adductors close the legs together as they straighten.
Knee extensors straighten the knees.
Plantar flexors keep the heels lifted.
Shoulder flexors keep the arms reaching up and forward at the starting position.
Shoulder horizontal abductors open the arms to the side in a T.
Shoulder horizontal adductors bring the arms back forward in front of the chest.
Scapular depressors keep the shoulders down away from the ears.
Scapular adductors keep the scapulae retracted so the shoulders don't roll forward.

Objectives

Enhance the stabilization of the back extensors and obliques in an upright posture through rotational movement.
Enhance the simultaneous contraction of the back extensors and abdominal muscles to stabilize the body during deep knee flexion and extension.
Enhance the range of motion in the spine, hips, knees, and foot/ankle.
As the legs start to move in more complex ways, emphasis is placed on abdominal control and pelvic stability, even though the body is no longer supported by the carriage.
Depress the scapulae to create scapular and shoulder stabilization.
Emphasize breathing to coordinate movement.