Spinal Twists (or Torso Rotation Stretches) are a well-known feature in Thai Massage and there are many ways to perform these stretches, notably in the seated and lying position. Further below in this post I’ve inserted a few photos to show you some of the options.
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The primary muscles affected by Thai Massage torso rotation stretches are a set of abdominal muscles, being mainly the rectus abdominus (abs), the transverse abdominus, and the internal and external obliques.
The abdominal muscles support and allow movement of the torso of the body, hold organs in place, and together with the back muscles they make up what is called your “core.” They help to keep the body stable and balanced, and they protect the spine.
Nevertheless, very much depending on the way a spinal twist is performed on the receiver, a range of other muscles located in the back, shoulders and legs is affected also. Think of the rhomboids, deltoids, glutes, and quadriceps, among others.
Spinal Twists are important and very beneficial stretches in Thai Massage — good for the back, abdomen, and spine — but there are quite some precautions and contraindications to be observed, notably those that have to do with conditions of the vertebrae and spine, such as slipped disks, ruptured disks, hernias, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and spondylolisthesis, among others.
Well, below then finally some examples of Thai Massage Spinal Twist Stretches. If you’re interested to learn more about Thai Massage stretches, specifically Upper Body Stretches, just take a look at our e-Learning Workshop Thai Massage – Upper Body Stretches.
