Neck Side Stretch

Description

How to Do Neck Side Stretch

1. 1
   Setup

   Begin by sitting or standing with a tall, neutral spine and your shoulders relaxed down away from your ears.

2. 2
   Setup

   Slowly tilt your head, bringing your right ear towards your right shoulder, ensuring your left shoulder remains relaxed and does not elevate.

3. 3

   Gently place your right hand on the left side of your head and apply slight, consistent pressure to deepen the stretch on the left side of your neck.

4. 4

   Hold this position for the prescribed duration, breathing slowly and deeply to help relax the muscle.

5. 5

   Slowly release the pressure and return your head to the starting position, then repeat the stretch on the opposite side.

Tips

• Keep your opposite shoulder relaxed and actively pressed down throughout the stretch to maximize the lengthening of the levator scapulae.
• Focus on slow, deep breaths during the stretch; exhalations can help you relax into the stretch a little further.
• Never bounce or make sudden jerking movements when stretching, as this can cause muscle strain or injury.
• If the stretch feels too intense, reduce the pressure from your hand or simply let gravity gently pull your head to the side.

Common Mistakes

• ×Hunching the shoulders reduces the effectiveness of the stretch; actively depress your shoulders away from your ears to lengthen the neck muscles properly.
• ×Applying too much force can lead to injury; only apply gentle, consistent pressure that creates a mild pull, not sharp pain.
• ×Holding your breath increases muscle tension; remember to breathe slowly and deeply throughout the stretch to promote relaxation and flexibility.