Oblique Slings Mini Series
Presented by Physical Therapist Alyssa Nelsen
Most people think about movement as occurring straight forward and backward, but many of the activities we perform every day happen in a diagonal pattern. Walking, running, reaching across the body, lifting, throwing, swinging a golf club, or swinging a bat all require different areas of the body to work together in coordinated rotational movements.
To make these movements possible, the body relies on interconnected muscle systems that transfer force between the upper and lower body. These systems help create efficient movement, maintain stability, and generate power during both athletic activities and everyday tasks. When these movement patterns aren’t functioning well, it can affect strength, coordination, and overall performance.
In our Oblique Slings Mini Series, Physical Therapist, Alyssa Nelsen, will share why the oblique sling muscles are important and how to train and strengthen these important movement systems.
Physical Therapist, Alyssa Nelsen, introduces the concept of anterior and posterior oblique slings, muscle systems that connect the shoulders, core, and hips to create rotational and diagonal movement patterns. Alyssa explains why these slings are important for activities ranging from walking and lifting to throwing and running, and previews an upcoming series focused on how to train and strengthen these important movement systems.
Anterior Oblique Sling Dead Bugs
Physical Therapist Alyssa Nelsen demonstrates the dead bug exercise and explains how it can be modified for a variety of ability levels. Alyssa reviews several progressions and regressions, making this a versatile exercise for improving core control, coordination, and anterior oblique sling function.
Published July 1, 2026
Anterior Oblique Sling Modified Crunches
Physical Therapist Alyssa Nelsen demonstrates the next step in anterior oblique sling strengthening by combining resistance with a diagonal reaching pattern to do a modified crunch. She also explains how to modify the exercise based on your current ability level and why this progression is particularly valuable for athletes and anyone looking to improve rotational strength and stability.
Published July 8, 2026
Anterior Oblique Sling Downward Chop
Physical Therapist Alyssa Nelsen demonstrates a diagonal downward chopping exercise that strengthens the anterior oblique sling through controlled rotational movement. Alyssa explains how the exercise can be modified for a variety of mobility levels or progressed from half-kneeling to standing and even single-leg positions, allowing individuals to safely build strength and stability at their own pace.
Published July 15, 2026
Posterior Oblique Sling Modified Bird Dog
Physical Therapist Alyssa Nelsen demonstrates a modified version of the traditional bird dog exercise that emphasizes the muscles of the posterior oblique sling. She explains how this movement improves core stability and coordination, along with simple ways to modify or progress the exercise as your strength and control improve.
Published July 22, 2026
Posterior Oblique Sling Upward Chop
Physical Therapist Alyssa Nelsen demonstrates a diagonal upward chopping exercise designed to strengthen the posterior oblique sling. She explains how the movement can be modified from half-kneeling to standing and even single-leg positions, allowing individuals to safely progress as their strength, balance, and coordination improve.
Published July 29, 2026
Posterior Oblique Sling DNS Star
Physical Therapist Alyssa Nelsen demonstrates a challenging exercise, a DNS Star, that targets the posterior oblique sling while strengthening the shoulder, core, and hip stabilizers. Alyssa also explains how the exercise can be modified for beginners or progressed with added resistance, making it adaptable for a wide range of ability levels.
Published August 5, 2026