What are some good stretches for tense, sore and stiff shoulders, neck and back?!
Question:
What are some good stretches for tense, sore and stiff shoulders, neck and back?
Answers:
These will stetch and stengthen the neck, shoulders and upper back - they are typically prescribed by physical therapists for those with forward posture or other weakness/pain in the neck/upper back:
Neck: Chin tucks: lay flat on your bed, bring chin towards chest (you'll feel stretch in back of neck and base of skull), do this 10 times. Side to Side: in same position turn head to left until you feel stretch - hold for 5 seconds, return to normal position. Turn head to right until you feel stretch, hold for 5 seconds, return to normal position. Do this 10 times. Lateral stretch: In same position, tilt head towards shoulder until you feel stretch, hold for 5 seconds, return to normal position. Tilt head towards other shoulder, hold for 5 seconds, return to normal position. Do this 10 times.
Upper back/shoulders: The exercises are called T's I's and Y's. They are so named because you will make the shape of these letters with your body. Lay flat on your bed face down, roll up a hand towel and put it under your forhead (it will align the neck and keep you from squashing your nose). Bring arms out to the side making a "T". Raise and lower arms 10 times. Next bring arms slightly toward head making a "Y" shape. Raise and lower arms 10 times. Next bring arms along side head making a "I" shape. Raise and lower arms 10 times. Next bring arms down along side your body again making a "I" shape. Raise and lower arms 10 times.