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Neck Stretches
To strengthen your neck muscles, here are a few Active Isolated Stretching protocols for you to try
at home. Remember to hold these stretches no more than 2 seconds each to get the most benefit.
Neck Flexion
Standing tall and straight, tilt your head downward, with
your chin going toward the chest while you exhale. Use
one hand to slightly assist the stretch from the back of
the head. Hold for 1–2 seconds, then return to the first
position. You can also perform this stretch while sitting.
You will feel this stretch down the back of your neck.
Neck Extension
Standing tall and straight, position your head between
your shoulders, then gently tilt it back to the end of your
range of motion. Use your fingers to push under the
chin to assist in the neck extension if necessary. Hold
for 1–2 seconds, then return to the first position.
Work Those Sore Spots
Between massage sessions, find ways to keep your neck and shoulders loose and pain-free. A favorite tool
of massage therapists to work on themselves is a cane-like tool that can hit all the spots normal massage
tools can't.