There are 6 pure motions of your neck, and doing these as a stretch is a great way to keep it loose and work on your range of motion. I like to have this stretch held for at least 10 seconds in each position. Start with flexing your chin down to your chest and hold a gentle stretch for 10 or more seconds. Then tilt your head back in extension and hold. Next comes lateral tilt to each side, and if you pull down the shoulder opposite of the side you are stretching, you will get a nice stretch in your neck and the top part of your trap muscle on each side. Finally rotate your head to look over your shoulder on each side and again hold for 10 seconds. ⁠

Many patients need to work on their cervical range of motion, and as they go through care, this exercise helps them balance their range of motion. What is really cool is that when they do their re-exam their motion restrictions improve to normal!⁠