I have a new client, and noticed a bit of kyphosis. Tekva, I know you work with older clients... any experience with this, and any exercises that have worked for you?
Hi, Katie! Depends on the reason for the kyphosis. If my client is very elderly I know it may be because of osteoporosis and I'm a bit more cautious. For such clients I have them do stretching exercises for the chest and shoulders (very guardedly). One of my favorites (and which has given my mom back two inches) is "up against the wall." Have your client stand with their back against a wall and then raise their hands from the elbow as though you have just said, "This is a stick up!" The backs of their hands should touch the wall. Another is shoulder shrugs. Another I like for the chest is the "Clark Kent." You sort of simulate Clark Kent simulating opening up his shirt to reveal the Big Red S on his uniform!
Work on chest, traps, core, lats, delts are very good. Shoulder shrugs, lateral raises, upright or seated row, wall push-ups, sit-ups with bent knees, etc. (not a full sit-up -- just to about 8 degrees until they feel the "crunch." Lat stretches on a stability ball are good because flexibility is very important as well.
