Neck Side Flexion
Also known as: Neck Side Bend, Neck Lateral Flexion, Lateral Neck Flexion, Resisted Neck Side Bend, Side Neck Flexion
Body region
Muscles
Main
Helps
Holds
Technique
- Sit or stand tall with the shoulders relaxed and place one hand on the side of your head, just above the ear, on the side you will tilt toward.
- Tilt the head sideways toward the shoulder, with the hand giving light resistance.
- Stop when you feel the muscles on the side of the neck working.
- Return slowly to neutral against the light resistance.
- Repeat on the same side and then switch.
Cues
- Use gentle pressure, not a hard push.
- Keep the shoulders down and level.
- Move slowly through a pain-free range.
Common mistakes
- Pushing hard with the hand.
- Lifting the shoulder to meet the ear.
- Rotating the head instead of keeping it straight.
- Going past the comfortable range.