Movement Examples You Can Learn From
These examples show movements and positioning strategies commonly used in physical therapy. The most useful movement depends on how your individual symptoms respond.
Important: These exercises are educational examples and are not a substitute for an individual evaluation. A movement that helps one person may aggravate another condition. Stop if your symptoms clearly worsen or if you develop new symptoms.
Prone Extension Example
Back extension is one movement commonly associated with MDT. For some people, symptoms improve with repeated extension; for others, a different direction is more appropriate.
Start relaxed
Begin lying face down and allow your low back to relax.
Press upward
Use your arms to begin lifting your upper body while keeping the movement comfortable.
Move farther if appropriate
Only continue farther if the movement is well tolerated and your symptoms are responding favorably.
Posture and Movement Breaks
Prolonged positions can aggravate symptoms for some people. Changing position regularly, using a comfortable supported posture, and taking brief movement breaks may help.
Notice your position
Long periods in one posture may contribute to stiffness or discomfort.
Find a comfortable setup
Adjust your sitting position so you feel supported rather than rigid.
Change positions
Brief movement breaks can be useful when you have been sitting for a prolonged period.
Cervical Retraction and Extension Example
This is an example of a cervical movement sequence sometimes used when neck or upper-extremity symptoms respond favorably to retraction and extension.
Retract
Draw the chin straight backward without forcing the movement.
Maintain the retraction
Keep the neck controlled as you prepare to move farther.
Extend if appropriate
Move into extension only if the direction is well tolerated and your symptoms are improving.
The right direction matters
MDT is not about giving everyone the same exercise. Your therapist looks at how your symptoms change with specific movements and positions, then uses that response to help determine which strategy is appropriate for you.
Not sure which movement is right for you?
An evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms respond to a specific movement direction and what you should do next.