Arom
Angel (foam roller)
Dynamically stretch the chest and encourage a more upright posture.
CompleteAlso called: snow angel on roller
Why it is used in rehab
Opens the front of the shoulder to complement scapular retraction work (PDF p. 363).
Targets
Starting position
Lie lengthways on a foam roller so head and tailbone are supported; arms at your sides, palms up.
Step-by-step
- Sweep the arms out and overhead as far as you can without pain, like a snow angel.
- Return slowly.
Movement mechanics: Horizontal abduction and elevation with gravity assistance.
📖 Rehab Science instructions paraphrased from the book’s exercise description
Coaching notes
Common mistakes
- Arching the low back off the roller
Easier variation
- Bend the elbows
Advanced variation
- Pause at the top
ℹ Additional explanation
Where it appears in Rehab Science
| Protocol | Phase | Group | Prescription | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nerve Pain — Neck (Radiculopathy) | 2 | Mobility Exercises | Do 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Active range of motion (AROM)—move as far as you can without pain · Pause at end range for 2–3 seconds | 311 |
| Headache Pain | 2 | Mobility Exercises | Do 3 sets of 10–15 reps unless otherwise noted · Active range of motion (AROM)—move as far as you can without pain · Pause at end range for 2–3 seconds | 335 |
| Shoulder Pain | 2 | Mobility Exercises | Do 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Active range of motion (AROM)—move as far as you can with no more than mild pain · Pause at end range for 2–3 seconds | 383 |
| Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia) | 1 | Mobility Exercises | Do 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Move as far as you can with no more than mild pain · Pause at end range for 2–3 seconds | 472 |
| Golfer’s Elbow | 1 | Mobility Exercises | Do 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Move as far as you can with no more than mild pain · Pause at end range for 2–3 seconds | 493 |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | 1 | Mobility Exercises | Do 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Active range of motion (AROM)—move as far as you can without pain · Pause at end range for 2–3 seconds | 562 |
| Mid-Back And Rib Cage Pain | 1 | Mobility Exercises | Do 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Active range of motion (AROM)—move as far as you can without pain · Pause at end range for 2–3 seconds | 668 |
Source: Rehab Science · Ch 15 · PDF pp. 311–668show sources ▾
Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.