Diaphragm stretch

[Lidamccool]

Hi, what's the best stretch for the Diaphragm?

I understand stretching Hip Flexors can also affect the Diaphragm fascia, but I am looking for a really specific stretch, if possible.

Thanks!

[Kit_L]

Sure. Any of the passive back bends stretches the diaphragm. Place the support in the middle of the back—wherever it needs to be to provoke the most rib movement away from the spine; there are several shown in both books.

as well, once in one of these bends, you can reach your fingers over the ribs and gently dig them in under the ribs, and pull anteriorly and superiorly. This will directly affect the fascia, and can affect any diaphragm trigger points, too.

Finally, the diaphragm attaches to the hip flexor fascia (anterior of the lumbar spine)—so all the advanced HF stretches affects this fascia, too. The advanced version is shown on the Stretching & Flexibility DVD Update. hth, kl

[Nolan & Jade Foster]

I've been using this stretch sometimes when I wake with a peculiar pain between my bottom 2 ribs to the front. It rare when I get the pain, maybe once or twice a year and it can last 3 or 4 mornings (it's always gone by mid day). This last time i got the pain I did this stretch and the pain left that same morning and never came back, rather than lasting 3 or 4 days.