Foam Roller Chest Opener – An Osteopaths Perspective

In the video below you will see one of Principle Four Osteopathy clients performing a foam roller chest opener.  This exercise is performed by lying along the foam roller (90cm foam roller), ensuring ones head is able to lie on the foam roller.  One then lays there with their arms resting by their side palms up at 90 degrees.  You can either lie here for a gentle chest stretch or one can look to slide their hands up and down by the side of the body on the floor through a self selected range of motion that feels both comfortable and where their hands can stay on the floor.  Typically I will look to prescribe this exercise for those individuals needing some gentle stretching and mobility through their anterior chest (typically desk workers).  Individuals with a current or known shoulder complaint i.e. previous history of anterior shoulder dislocation should consult a qualified practitioner before trying this exercise as it may put them at further risk of shoulder issues.

This blog post was written by Melbourne osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy. Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD leading Melbourne Osteopathy clinics. At the clinic we treat a wide range of clients, ranging from the office worker, exercise enthusiast to athlete. We have 3 experienced Melbourne osteopaths working across both of the clinics. The Melbourne City CBD osteopathy clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation. The Melbourne osteopathic Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation. To speak to your Melbourne Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.