Tired of that tension in your neck that keeps you from moving in the way that you want to? A few stretches from REPAIR SI can help you regain mobility. If your neck doesn’t improve in the next few days, if you have severe pain, or if you have an underlying condition, you should visit a medical professional. We offer a wide array of treatment options.
Begin to release tension with physical therapy stretches
Mild, transient tension may respond to stretches easily. However, severe or long-lasting tension may be a sign that you need medical attention. Scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist is a good idea for tension that worsens, subsides and returns, interferes with activities, or accompanies another issue.
If you have a simple case of neck tension, you can try the following at-home stretches:
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Neck bends
When the back of your neck feels tense, you can stretch it by gently lowering your chin toward your chest. If tension and mobility allow, you may reach the center of your collarbones with your chin. Hold the pose briefly, raise your head and repeat the exercise until the back of your neck begins to relax.
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Ear-to-shoulder stretches
Tension on the side of your neck may respond to a different stretch. Tilt your head to the side slowly, so that your ear begins to drop down in the direction of your shoulder. Hold this for a moment, raise your head and then repeat this exercise on the other side of your body.
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Chin tucks
If tension affects the front of your neck, you can use chin tucks to attempt to mobilize stiff muscles. Sit up straight, imagining a straight line or string pulling your spine into alignment. Push your chin back to create a “double chin,” which should create a stretch in the muscles at the front of your neck.
If your neck tension is more severe, a licensed physical therapist can provide several treatments.
REPAIR SI can treat neck tension and stiffness
Tension that interferes with day-to-day activities, lasts for days or worsens may need treatment. So might tension that eases temporarily, only to return and bother you again — you shouldn’t have to go through that multiple times.
At REPAIR SI, our physical therapists can provide treatment to make your daily activities easier, reduce tension more quickly or prevent an increase in severity. Physical therapy treatment can help keep neck tension at bay, too, so that you can do things like turning your head while driving without hesitation.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.