Purpose: To increase mobility of lower cervical/upper thoracic spine

Procedure: The patient begins by lying in supine with their shoulders slightly off the edge of the table and head supported by the therapist’s chest. A pillow in the lap can also be used if the patient cannot relax. The cervical spine may be in slight extension, and the patient may link their arms around the therapist’s neck to allow slightly more extension. The therapist should monitor tension over the transverse processes of the thoracic spine with one hand, while the other hand holds the head and facilitates positioning. The therapist extends, side bends, and slightly rotates away from the barrier to find the patient’s position of least restriction. The therapist holds this position for 90 to 120 seconds, then slowly and passively returns the patient to the starting position.