Assisted Back Stretches

Assisted back stretches require a partner who helps you achieve a deep stretch of the spine and supporting muscles. Assisted stretches can be effective when you suffer from limited range of motion or flexibility due to injury, chronic spasticity of the muscles, or if you want to push your body a little farther than you can on your own. Due to the delicate nature of the spine and neck, it's important to proceed with assisted back stretches very carefully. Alert your partner at once if he stretches you too far or if you experience pain.

  1. Bent-Knee Back Stretch

    • The bent-knee back stretch can be classified as a passive range-of-motion, or PROM, exercise. PROM stretches are performed by a partner, often a physical therapist or family member, when you can't perform the exercise under your own power. Even if you are well and can stretch yourself, assistance may help you perform a deeper stretch. Lie on your back with your arms straight at your sides and your knees together and bent. Your partner grasps your legs at the knees so her elbows rest approximately at your ankles. Your partner gently pushes your knees and hips up toward your chest to stretch out your lower back. Hold the position for several seconds before relaxing.

    Latissmus Dorsi

    • The Latin roots of latissimus dorsi refer to the broadest muscles in the back. Lats, as they are called, are located toward the rear of the torso on each side of your spine. The assistant for the latissimus dorsi stretch sits or kneels on a table or bench in back of you. You also sit on the same bench with your back straight. Raise one arm above your head, then bend at the elbow so your hand hovers in the air between your shoulder blades. Your partner grasps your elbow in one hand and your fingers with the other hand. As you support yourself with your free hand, your partner gently pushes your elbow up toward the ceiling. You will feel the stretch in the middle back area.

    Resistance Band Row Stretch

    • Exercise bands help strengthen your muscles by challenging you with added resistance as you stretch. The resistance band row stretch adds the body weight of another person to give you even more resistance. Use an X-pattern exercise band or intertwine two bands together to form an X shape. You and your partner stand facing each other far enough apart so your arms extend straight out in front as you grab the bands. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart from each other as your partner mirrors your stance. Tighten your stomach muscles, bend your elbows and pull the bands up and out toward your ribcage in a rowing motion. Your partner performs the same motion concurrently. Feel the stretch in your back, hips and arms. Perform 10 repetitions.

    Yoga Poses

    • Yoga exercises routinely use props and other accessories to assist your stretches. Partnering in yoga can help increase flexibility in the back and can prevent nerve compression in some poses, such as the Camel. Begin the Camel pose by kneeling and having your partner sit directly behind you with the legs bent. As you lean backward into the full pose, your chest will be open and you should aim to grab your ankles with your hands. Your partner will stabilize you by placing the ball of one foot in at the very top of buttocks. It is important not to feel pressure in the lower spine; if this is the case, ask your partner to lower his foot slightly. Your partner places his other foot between your shoulder blades and pushes gently to lift up your chest. The Bridge pose is another assisted back yoga stretch. Lie on your back, tighten your abdomen and lift your hips, back and buttocks off the floor. Your head, shoulders and feet are the only body parts in contact with the floor. Your partner loops a yoga strap around your armpits and pulls firmly on the strap as he sits directly behind you. Your partner may steady himself by placing his toes on your shoulders.