Deskercise – Neck and Shoulder Stretches
If you work at a desk or computer for long stretches of time, you might place excessive strain on certain muscles like your neck and shoulders. Try these quick stretches to help reduce stiffness and pain. Christine Eley, Mayo Clinic Employee Health Coordinator shows us to perform these stretches along with the help of Mayo employees.
Chin tuck:
1. Face straight ahead. Lower your chin to your chest.
2. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
3. You'll feel tension in the back of your neck.
4. Relax and slowly return to the starting position.
5. Repeat.
Head turn:
1. Face straight ahead.
2. Turn your head to one side while keeping your shoulders straight.
3. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. You'll feel tension in the side of your neck and your shoulder.
4. Relax and slowly return to the starting position.
5. Turn your head to the other side and repeat the stretch.
Shoulder stretch:
1. Place one hand under your elbow.
2. Lift your elbow and stretch it across your chest. Don't rotate your body as you stretch.
3. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. You'll feel tension in the back of your shoulder.
4. Relax and slowly return to the starting position.
5. Repeat the stretch with the other arm.
If you work at a desk or computer for long stretches of time, you might place excessive strain on certain muscles like your neck and shoulders. Try these quick stretches to help reduce stiffness and pain. Christine Eley, Mayo Clinic Employee Health Coordinator shows us to perform these stretches along with the help of Mayo employees.
Chin tuck:
1. Face straight ahead. Lower your chin to your chest.
2. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
3. You’ll feel tension in the back of your neck.
4. Relax and slowly return to the starting position.
5. Repeat.
Head turn:
1. Face straight ahead.
2. Turn your head to one side while keeping your shoulders straight.
3. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. You’ll feel tension in the side of your neck and your shoulder.
4. Relax and slowly return to the starting position.
5. Turn your head to the other side and repeat the stretch.
Shoulder stretch:
1. Place one hand under your elbow.
2. Lift your elbow and stretch it across your chest. Don’t rotate your body as you stretch.
3. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. You’ll feel tension in the back of your shoulder.
4. Relax and slowly return to the starting position.
5. Repeat the stretch with the other arm.
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