Rotation is a crucial component for human locomotion. If we move the left leg forward, the right arm swings forward and vice versa. The movements of the arms are reflected in the spine. The pelvis rotates in one direction, the upper body in the other and the rotation of the spine takes place in the alternating rhythm of locomotion equally to the right and left.

Unfortunately, due to our behavior, there is hardly any use of turning the spine to the right and left (although we would have these prerequisites due to our spine design). With the rotation poverty the mobility is lost. Test your mobility:

  • Sit upright on a chair.
  • Clamp a cushion between your knees/thighs.
  • Place a stick in the neck and hold it firmly.
  • Align the stick horizontally.
  • Turn your upper body smoothly to the left.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat the process on the other side.

Compare both sides.

  • If the rotation is more than 50°, you are in the green area.
  • If you can rotate 35°-50°, you are in the yellow area.
  • If your ability to rotate is 35° or less, you are in the red area of the classification.

This “Testing” gives you information about your status quo in a simplified form. A kind of functional anamnesis. It helps you to get a picture of your functionality and quality of movement in order to filter out your strengths and weaknesses and it should help you to develop a feeling for whether your body, joints, muscles and certain movements are “rusty” or not. With your results you can determine which areas are more in need of attention or need more attention.

Silvester Neidhardt