Neck pain? Learn how to stretch this infamous muscle!

In this short but informative video, we will explain to you why the regular neck stretch isn't working, and might even be counter productive. We will also show you the correct and proper technique for stretching tight neck muscles, especially the levator scapulae.
Levator Scapulae muscle can be a nuisance if not treated properly. With this stretching technique you will hit it accurately and get it to stretch and release your neck.
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Music used in this video is from @telecasted5166
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Images used in this video:
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#neckpain #stretching #health #wellness

[@christinaforras]

“Remember not to rip your head off!” 🤣😍

[@movementmaintenance]

If you could learn only one thing from the video, it should be that. 😂

[@rubinmendoza13]

Wow, first attempt at this and it eliminated 90% of my neck pain and stiffness. Thank you!

[@movementmaintenance]

We are very happy to hear about your results. You are very welcome. 😊

[@jillopofte8465]

Thank goodness there’s a reminder to not rip my head off whilst doing this stretch 😂 Great videos with stretches I’ve never seen before. Will definitely be trying. Thank you!

[@movementmaintenance]

The reminder is super necessary.😂 Glad you liked the video and the stretch!🙏

[@autonomous8108]

Okay this is freaky. I literally JUST did this stretch right before opening KZbin, and this was this first video in my recommendation 😂 the universe really just told me its time to do better LMAO

[@movementmaintenance]

Wow, sometimes the world is a really mysterious place. 😄 Best of luck to you in your process to do better. 💪🏻

[@Salsa_Shark]

It knows…

[@movementmaintenance]

😨

[@bipolarmotorjeffpenney2153]

Dude, me too!! I was stretching and opened youtube at same time!!!! I went to comment this - and saw your comment!!!! Crazy

[@autonomous8108]

@@bipolarmotorjeffpenney2153 dude I swear, our phone cameras were just watching us stretch the wrong way all day, and finally decided to chime in, and help us out 😂

[@Shabanezloth]

Just did this for 10 seconds and it felt like discovering a new muscle, thank you very much

[@movementmaintenance]

You are very welcome. 😊

[@evapakaki]

Thank you so much! I am much better after 2 weeks of pain !

[@movementmaintenance]

We are happy to hear, we could be of help to you!🙏😊

[@lukesnyder4183]

This is phenomenal! I've never seen this exact approach, and it works incredibly well. Your explanation is perfect too, very simple and efficient. I'm a grappler, and this one of the perennial problem areas. I now understand how to target it, incredible.

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you for the feedback, glad to hear you liked it! 😄 We have actually talked about making videos specifically for martial artists in the future, so stay tuned. 💪

[@pt_sakkinen]

Great work - that was not bad at ALL! Fluent english and great start!

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you!🙏 Let's hope people will see this video and start stretching properly!👍

[@tahlenri]

This is it. This helped my neck that's been hurting for 5 days now. Amazing. Thank you

[@movementmaintenance]

You are very welcome, it's nice to hear that we could help you 🤩

[@sandyedwards2681]

Excellent stress! Feels like it readjusted my posture for the better. Thank you.

[@movementmaintenance]

Glad it helped!😊

[@robinpressler3739]

Oh wow! I did this stretch in my chair while watching the video and already I have a lot of relief!! My collarbone was broken 15 years ago and the bones never fused. So as you can imagine, this has been a problem area for quite a long time. Thank you!!!!!!!!!

[@movementmaintenance]

That sounds like such an annoying problem. 😕 Glad we could help you, and maybe we will have more stuff on our channel for your situation in the future (perhaps some pectoral muscle release techniques 🤔).

[@stevenatkinson429]

Thanks, this is helping me in 2 ways because I have a scapula paralysis which limits my arm lifting ability so this stretch moves my otherwise stationary scapula.

[@scott8191]

Very helpful thanks!

[@gianz73]

Very clear and effective video, guys! Ciao from Italy!

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you! 😄

[@appleraika]

Extremely need this right now, thank youuu.

[@movementmaintenance]

You're welcome!🙏

[@aminaa18]

Thank you for this video! Instantaneous relief!

[@movementmaintenance]

So good to hear you got relief! 🤩

[@wonderwoman_11]

Wow! Great explanation! I liked how you explained the movement of the shoulder bones. I understand much better the geometry🙏.🎉

[@movementmaintenance]

So good to hear! 🤩

[@matthewlee8618]

Great job man every physical therapist will tell you to stretch your traps this stretch is way better!

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you. 😊 Yeah, this stretch isn't as known, glad you like it. 👍🏻

[@loulounette2bis]

thank you ! i am already feeling better 👍

[@movementmaintenance]

Good to hear!🙏😊

[@travisfoster1993]

Please make a video on the SCM muscles/release etc.

[@JJ-hu3wc]

Wow...just did it and it really works...it feels like it's hitting the sweet spot..thx a lot 🙏🏼

[@movementmaintenance]

You're welcome!🙏

[@jasonyt5531]

Good stuff, thanks!

[@movementmaintenance]

Glad you liked it!🙏

[@handledmyhandle]

That for sure did something! Love the humor and how concise the videos are. I get a bit distracted watching you move back and forward while talking though :D

[@movementmaintenance]

Thanks for the comment and feedback 😄 My restless soul can't seem to handle standing still in front of the camera. 😂

[@IALFAOMEGA]

Thank you so much for your contribution to our health. You are awesome

[@movementmaintenance]

Thanks!🙏

[@adampug206gti]

Fantastic guys keep up the good work you 2 are the best on the internet....🤦‍♂️👍🏻😎

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you for the compliment mate! All boosts for the motivation that helps us keep on grinding with our channel and business is highly welcomed. 😄

[@wayilzahid2676]

Thank you for the stretching method... It is different than the usual... Tried it for one day,,, felt better.. THNX

[@movementmaintenance]

Great to hear! Try to continue doing this daily and you will reap the benefits.💪

[@TheLtGo]

A neck stretch that actually relieves pain and stiffness? Amazing!

[@movementmaintenance]

Technique and reasoning for doing stretches are the keys for success in our experience. 🥳

[@MartyDeParty]

Best 😍 Thank you so much!!!

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you, glad you like it 🤩

[@adrianadelapena2454]

I just discovered this channel and i'm obsessed, greets from Mexico City!😊

[@movementmaintenance]

Wow, nice to hear!🙏😊

[@imkevanrees7178]

Yes Masters of... stretching 🤩

[@movementmaintenance]

😁

[@mohammedwageh7352]

Thnx it helps me alot 👌👌👌👌

[@movementmaintenance]

Glad to hear that!💪

[@grabelnikov]

New stretch! thank you. Please let us know how to strengthen the muscle properly

[@movementmaintenance]

You're welcome!🙏 We will be doing strengthening videos in the future.👍

[@zenmaizamurai5343]

Good stuff

[@movementmaintenance]

Glad you enjoyed it!🙏

[@wiewiorka_ojoj]

Thank U, I’m going to do it immediately:)

[@movementmaintenance]

Hope you like it!

[@reenablair9877]

Love it. So good to be talked to, not talked AT. Thank you😊

[@movementmaintenance]

Glad to hear!😊🙏

[@jlpsinde]

So so good thanks

[@movementmaintenance]

You are very welcome 😄

[@sherlystcloud]

Nice 👍🏾 thank you

[@movementmaintenance]

You're welcome!😊🙏

[@Yakuo]

THANK YOU

[@movementmaintenance]

You are very welcome. 😊

[@shayleenjoubert2008]

Love your channel. Thank you. Im 55 i have arthritis in my neck and my lower pelvic area.. also suffer from fibromyalgea. Aswell as romboib pain , also phsyatic nerve . NO one, not one dr has ever explained this to me or tried to help me with stretches or excersise... im constantly nauseous from pain. So thank you very much❤. South Africa

[@movementmaintenance]

We are very happy to hear that you liked our content. 😊 The situation you describe is quite complex, and requires lots of individual planning, best of luck to your process. 🙏🏻 If you haven't already, I would suggest that you also check out our sciatic nerve video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYuyZp6HeNelb5o). It could offer you some help. 😊

[@kristjant.7782]

Dude, I have done it wrong so long and this simple add on to this movment, and it really stretches from the correct angle. Keep up the good work! If you know anything about costochondritis and how to get relief for it would be good topic. I have been physically active my whole life but sitting 8hr a day at desk have made me tight from hips to neck. With costochondritis symptoms, I cant do anymore bodyweight dips. If you have any good ideas how to open up the rib cage from heavy lifting and desk work would be great. Greetings from Estonia

[@movementmaintenance]

Thanks for the feedback! 😄 We're not planning to do a video specifically about costochondritis, but content relating to opening up the rib cage, thorax and surrounding musculature is already planned. Let's see when we get those videos done. 😄Tervitused Eestimaale!

[@VampguyN85]

My physical therapist had me pull my head to stretch the neck for the past 6 months. And I learned to do it as a warmuo for chrous 6 years ago. It seems like a popular stretch for many people.

[@movementmaintenance]

Yeah, it is really common even though it's far from the best thing one can do for the neck and shoulders. 🤔

[@johnfaram4684]

brilliant😊

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you 😊

[@ShenBinhao]

I have this-muscle-ache for years(10+). Did all the stretch on youtube but didnt help much. I use pain killer for years and this vdo help me so much so that I use less painkiller.

[@movementmaintenance]

That is really good to hear. 🤩 We will be doing more videos on this subject in the future, stay tuned. 👍🏻😊

[@speedybonsky]

Also Lu rises help with that tipe of neck pain from my experience

[@movementmaintenance]

Had to google what's a Lu raise, but yeah it helps as well.

[@machwheels8642]

Awesome

[@movementmaintenance]

Thanks!🙏

[@alexorphic2752]

Can you tell us something about neck muscle knots ? How to eleminate them?

[@movementmaintenance]

We will do videos of it in the future, I imagine.

[@ianmatthews7385]

I do have hulk strength so thanks for the warning

[@movementmaintenance]

You're welcome. Also remember not to Hulk Smash!

[@mateuszkarys6314]

Best channel out there in my opinion ❤ I Love your energy and humor! Got so relaxed by laughing even before the exercise 😂

[@movementmaintenance]

So nice to hear, feedback like this really boosts our motivation to do these videos! 🤩💪🏻

[@wordreet]

Part of my neck stiffness comes from earlier, unnoticed at the time, injuries from car accidents 40+ years ago. But I will try this exercise unless you say I shouldn't. 😁

[@movementmaintenance]

Hi! There should be no reason why you couldn't do this after such a long time has passed from the accident. 👍

[@wordreet]

@@movementmaintenance I'm doing it now.

[@movementmaintenance]

Very nice! 🤩

[@roystonboodoo7525]

One doesn't bend one's neck in established exercises, it is kept upright during the various push/ pulls.

[@movementmaintenance]

Sorry, I didn't get what you mean by this in the context of this video.

[@roystonboodoo7525]

@@movementmaintenance looking at the screen pic

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

🙏

[@jameshughes4670]

Great advice my friend, thank you.

[@movementmaintenance]

You're welcome!🙏

[@nonemptystring7463]

Where is my neck stiffness?! How is it gone in just 2 minutes after years and years of being there? OMG, thank you 😭😭😭

[@movementmaintenance]

Really nice to hear!🙌 You're welcome!🙏

[@nonemptystring7463]

@@movementmaintenance I'm buying that nerve gliding program too 🙂 Seeing how effective is this, I'm really looking forward!

[@movementmaintenance]

Wow, thank you! 🙏

[@BigArt1970]

MOI! Is it alright to do the stretch without lifting my arm? I have a "frozen" left shoulder and it often leads to a stiff neck. Thanks!

[@movementmaintenance]

Sure, you can do it but it isn't as focused on the levator muscle in that case. 🤔 Still better than nothing though. 😄

[@surimenon7660]

Greetings and Good day DR, Can I do this ,FOR I have been diagnosed Cervical DYSTONIA...Though I do my streaches...THIS ONE SEEMS GREAT RELIVER...Hope this works for ALL Diagnosed by CD...Cheers 😃😃👍

[@movementmaintenance]

Hi, it should be ok to do. Remember in all of stretching, don't force the stretch too much or otherwise your muscles will take longer to relax. 👍

[@loganderrick7449]

Yeah these phone cameras are definitely watching me. 10 seconds after stretching my neck like this I see this video.

[@movementmaintenance]

You never know these days. 😅

[@user-pd7il3xz5j]

@@movementmaintenance Actually, we do know. Test it out, talk about something with your cell phone on and see what happens.

[@lisamazzu8940]

Why do I have pain in the front of my neck sometimes hurts my inner ear. Do you have exercises for this area I do have bone on bone arthritis 😢

[@movementmaintenance]

Sorry to hear about your situation. 😕 This can be many things, and without personally examining you, it's hard to tell for sure. But it could be some sort of muscle or joint problem in the neck. 🤔 We'll do some videos about the front of the neck at some point, but can't really say how soon it will be. I would also suggest that you consult a medical expert near you about this situation. 👍🏻

[@TheGarugc]

When I do this exercise, I always get a cramp in my neck on the opposite side. So, when I want to stretch the left muscle, I take the corresponding position and have pain in the right muscle. I have varied the position several times (head movement, body position, arm position), but I don't get any stretch in the desired muscle, only pain in the opposite muscle.

[@movementmaintenance]

That's unfortunate to hear. The cramping happens because the muscle on the non-stretch side goes into a maximally shortened position. Same can often happen to the muscles in your feet when you extend your ankle fully and curl up your toes. I would suggest trying to release the muscles in the region if stretching doesn't work. Here's a video tutorial on how to do that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXK4qZ2oj8dkf6ssi=l3Zc2vc5EWXqMzOQ Hope this helps!🙏

[@TheGarugc]

Your tip with the other exercise helped! Thank you!

[@upcyclegarage7685]

are you guys hockey guys ? from the home of the Oilers... Edmonton Jari Kurri is a legend here and the hall of fame

[@movementmaintenance]

Can't say that we're the biggest hockey fans out there, but of course we get excited about world cup, olympic tournaments and stuff. 🤩 Yeah, Kurri was a legendary pioneer of Finnish hockey in his time. 👌🏻 Nice to hear greetings from Canada! 😄

[@cat-nm2bp]

how we can overcome tension pain?

[@movementmaintenance]

If you are talking about tension type headache, then proper exercising, stress management and work load management are the keys to success.🙏

[@wendeew5496]

Info great, but because of delivery we're now best friends. Hey bestie!!!

[@movementmaintenance]

Haha,😂 what's up bestie!💪

[@lfs147]

Master of puppets lol 😂😂

[@AmadeuShinChan]

I will do this exercise. Next time i am on the bus.

[@movementmaintenance]

Good to hear. 😊

[@melodicseaweed387]

So bad that I can't do this exercise, but I've ripped my head of before so many times 🤦‍♀

[@movementmaintenance]

Seems to be a common problem these days, we've been there 😅

[@Mazzakre39]

Takes notes: Don't rip your head off... o,o

[@movementmaintenance]

The most valuable teaching in the video!👌

[@mikehawk12898]

Noho Hank!

[@movementmaintenance]

Almost 😅

[@juleslondon3088]

Nice video and well presented with a bit of humour. You really seem to know your stuff! Ill definitely give the exercise a go. As a native English speaker the language was good and easy to follow with minimal accent. Something I think you could improve in future videos if you want is the frequent short pauses within sentences in unnatural places (maybe as if you’re reading lines from an autocue and inadvertently pausing between them?) which, for me, made your speech sound less fluent and hence less comfortable to listen to.

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you for the feedback. 🙏🏻 Glad to hear you could understand us with our Finnish accent and all. 😅 We will take these into consideration, and as we get more practice doing videos in English we hope this will improve in the future. 👌🏻

[@HiCallMeMax]

​@@movementmaintenance don't change the speaking, it's great!

[@fyi2046]

​@@movementmaintenance Your speaking is just fine. Don't change a thing. You got a new subscriber.

[@christineanderson4755]

I had a stroke and my left arm/leg was affected. The Physiotherapist that helps me does some wonderful stretches with me and they help a great deal. I am going to show her this and see if I can use some of your exercises to help with my neck. Thanks for sharing. Such good news that you are a part of NATO now. My Grandparents were all born in Sweden 🇸🇪 so I have a great affection towards all things Nordic. Of course for whatever reason (Turkey) there is a delay (political propaganda) but maybe someday soon Sweden will get to join. NATO will expand and keep even more democracies safe.

[@movementmaintenance]

Thank you! Let's hope that these exercises help you. Glad to hear that you have found a good physio. Keep exercising and fighting the good fight!💪 And let's hope that democracies stay safe all around the world and we get global peace. 🙏🌎

[@MaTTheWish]

Aw crap, i ripped my head off. LOL

[@movementmaintenance]

Yikes!😱 Put it back.

[@MaTTheWish]

@@movementmaintenance thanks for the helpful video!

[@movementmaintenance]

You're welcome 😊

[@joanharris3073]

*Promo sm* 👍

[@rifatkurtovic2020]

Puno pozdrava za decaka, i puno hvala na ovako profesionalnom savetu. CAO.. Cicak Zemunac.

[@movementmaintenance]

Had to use translate for this one. 😅 You are welcome! 😊👍🏻

[@shinchanshinchan3676]

can this ecercise help Thoracic outlet syndrome?

[@movementmaintenance]

It might help a little. But it might be that holding your arm up can impinge the nerves. The best bet in thoracic outlet syndrome would be to exercise scapular muscles, stretching scalenes, pecs and doing nerve slider exercises. We will in the future do videos on those topics I mentioned.