Neck Strengthening Exercises in Manhattan
If your neck & upper back muscles have weakened over time, you may need to bring neck strengthening exercises into your daily routine. These exercises aim to build your neck muscles back up into shape, so they are less susceptible to injury. However, it’s important to remember that a therapist should help you when you want to incorporate exercises into your daily life. If you or someone you know is looking for neck therapy in Manhattan, then First Health Physical Therapy is here for you.
Types of Neck Strengthening Exercises
A physical therapist will determine what kinds of neck strengthening exercises you need based on your physical concerns and help you implement an exercise routine into your life safely. If you’re considering going to a physical therapist, you may be wondering, “What kinds of exercises should I expect?” Here are some exercises that you can expect for your appointment:
- Neck Tilts: These exercises involve tilting your neck either forward to your chest or side to side, from one shoulder to another. These exercises strengthen the muscles on the back of your neck.
- Neck Turns: These exercises mean looking straight ahead, then turning your head to one side while keeping your chin at an even level. These exercises strengthen various muscles on the sides of your neck.
- Neck Stretches: These exercises involve looking ahead while holding your body straight, then pushing your chin forward & stretching your neck forward. These exercises strengthen various muscles around your neck, from the back to the sides.
- Head Retraction Exercises (ex. Chin Tuck): These exercises involve retracting the head into your neck, such as a chin tuck. Head retraction can help strengthen front neck muscles.
- Neck Retraction Exercises: These exercises mean tucking your chin in slightly, then retracting your neck towards the back of your spine. These exercises can help your neck standing up straight and keep it from collapsing.
- Upper Back Exercises: We tend to overuse our upper back muscles, putting excessive stress on them. One exercise you may do is neck traction – keeping your hands behind your head, with your arms up and bent at the shoulders, and pulling upward while supporting your skill.