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Neck Exercises: Overhead Arm Raise

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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. Tighten the belly muscles to keep the back from arching.

Here are the steps for the arm lift:

  • Raise one arm overhead, then lower it. As you lower that arm, raise the other arm.

  • Continue to move both arms in slow, smooth arcs. Keep your arms straight and your head and neck relaxed.

  • Repeat  10 times with each arm.

Woman lying on back with knees bent. Arrows show breathing in and out.Woman lying on back doing overhead arm raise exercise.


Note

For your safety, check with your doctor before you start an exercise program.

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: 05/01/2025

© 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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