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Neck Exercises: Neck Rotation

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To start, lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned, but don’t press your lower back to the floor. Rest your hands on your pelvis. Breathe deeply and relax.

Here are the steps for passive neck rotation. There are two ways to do this exercise: 

  • With hand. With your neck relaxed, place the palm of one hand on your forehead. Use your hand to turn your head to one side (over your shoulder) until you feel a stretch in the neck muscles. Don't push through pain.

  • Without hand. With your neck relaxed, turn your head to one side (over your shoulder) until you feel a stretch in the neck muscles. Don't push through pain.

  • Hold for  5 seconds. Then turn to the other side.

  • Repeat  5 times on each side. 

Note: Keep your shoulders on the floor. Don’t lift your chin as you turn your head.

Man lying on floor pushing against head with one hand on forehead. Head is turned to side.

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C

Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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