4 Stretches to Help You Combat Text Neck
Times have changed.
Just a few years ago most parents were worrying about their teens’ posture as a result of carrying heavy backpacks home from school. While this is still a concern, there is a new phenomenon impacting teens’ posture, and it goes by the name of “text neck.”
Stretch of the Week: Seated Piriformis Stretch
Happy summer! It’s the third week of June and we are continuing our theme of chair stretches.
I hope you have been allowing yourself some time each day to take a break from sitting and stretch!
This week we will learn a seated piriformis stretch. This will target not only the piriformis, but also the gluteal and outer hip muscles, which can become tight when we sit for long periods of time. You will need a chair for this stretch, preferably one without wheels. If your chair has wheels, make sure they are locked in place.
Stretch of the Week: Chair Forward Fold
Week 2 of June brings us to the Chair Forward Fold
Those of you who sit for long periods of time can end up with a tight lower back, hip, and thigh muscles. This week’s stretch will target all those areas!
If you have a history of low back conditions such as pain, bulging/herniated discs, hip problems or hamstring strains or tears, this may not be the right exercise for you. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended to consult with your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine which exercises are best for you.
You will need a chair, preferably one without wheels. If your chair has wheels, make sure they are locked in place.
Stretch of the Week: Reclined Cobblers Stretch
Our 5th and final restorative stretch is called Reclined Cobblers Stretch.
It is one of my absolute favorites, and feels so relaxing and wonderful. I hope you give it a try! You will need a bolster and a folded blanket to perform this stretch.
Stretch of the Week: Supported Hugging Knees
Our third restorative stretch for May is a gentle low back stretch. I call this one Supported Hugging Knees.
You will need your yoga bolster or three folded blankets.
If you have a history of low back injury, hip or sacral injury/pain, or if you have trouble getting up and down from the floor please do not perform this stretch. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended to consult with your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine which exercises are best for you.
Stretch of the Week: 1/2 Lord of the Fishes
The last of April’s internal hip rotation stretches is one from the yoga world called 1/2 Lord of the Fishes. Fun name!
It is also a bonus stretch because it adds an upper body twist.
If you have or are experiencing any of these please refrain from doing the stretch: sacral problems, hip or knee pain, especially with rotating inward, or low back pain when twisting. In addition, if you have trouble getting up or down from the floor this stretch may not be for you. As always, prior to beginning any exercise program, contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine what is right for you.
You will not need any equipment for this stretch.
Stretch of the Week: Eagle Legs
For the 3rd week of April we will review an internal hip rotation movement that will also help to build stability and balance.
This exercise is called Eagle Legs in the yoga world.
You will need a sturdy chair for this stretch.
If you have a history of hip or knee injuries (pain, impingement), hip replacements, have difficulty balancing or have a history of falls, it is not recommended to perform this exercise. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended that you contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine what is best for you.
Stretch of the Week: Prone Double Internal Rotation Stretch
Continuing with the theme of internal rotation of the hip, for week two we will review a stretch while lying face down.
This is the Prone Double Internal Rotation stretch.
You will need some wall space for this week’s stretch. If you have trouble coming all the way to the floor you can perform this on the bed as well. As with last week’s exercise, you should not perform this stretch if you have or are currently experiencing the following: hip injuries, hip replacements, hip impingement, or pain when rotating the hip or knee inward. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended that you contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine what is best for you.
