Lat Stretches & Exercises (Latissimus dorsi): http://www.AskDoctorJo.com These Lat stretches (Latissimus Dorsi) are great for rehabilitation or general soreness. For more physical therapy videos or for a detailed blog post, visit http://www.askdoctorjo.com/content/lat-stretches-exercises-latissimus-dorsi

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The first stretch will be a prayer stretch on the ground. The best thing to do is get down on your knees, and reach forward with your arms on the ground as far as you can. Then sit back onto your feet. If you need a little more of a stretch, then take the arm on the side you want to stretch more and place it over on the opposite hand. Push out and over for a bigger stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

Next, stand up next to something firm and stable on a wall like a bar. Grab onto the bar and lean backwards arching your back. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times leaning back further each time.

Finally, stand straight up; take the arm of the side you want to stretch and bring it straight over your head. Then lean to the side and push your arm up and over like you are pointing to the opposite side of the ceiling. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on each side 3 times.

DISCLAIMER: This video and any related comments are not medical advice. Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy; however, she is not YOUR Physical Therapist and can't possibly diagnose you through the Internet. So don't use this information to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they have given you. This information is only intended to show you the correct technique for physical therapy exercises and should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical condition. If you are not properly diagnosed, this information won't help, and it could make things worse. So seriously, check with your healthcare professional before doing these techniques. If you experience any pain or difficulty while doing these exercises, stop immediately and see your healthcare professional.