Rolling: Supine to prone leading with the arm

This pattern isolates shoulder flexion/horizontal adduction, which leads to trunk flexion/rotation, culminating in pelvic rotation/hip flexion that allows for completion of the roll. The patient lies supine with legs extended and slightly abducted; arms flexed overhead, also slightly abducted.

Head is in neutral rotation. When rolling to the right, the axis of rotation is formed by the upper extremity of the side that the individual is rolling towards and the lower extremity of the side the individual is rolling from (right arm and left leg). The client’s head and neck should flex and turn toward the right axilla. Remember, the head and neck are connected to the core, therefore where the head and neck lead the body will follow. 

The lower body should not contribute to the roll. Cue the patient to resist the temptation to push with the left lower extremity.