← Back to Exercise Catalog

LATERAL NECK FLEXION

Stretch the sides of the neck by tilting the head laterally toward each shoulder.

Focus Upper Body
Pool Depth Partially Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment None

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with neutral posture.
  2. Keep shoulders relaxed.
  3. Slowly bend your head so your right ear moves toward your right shoulder.
  4. Hold for 20-30 seconds, feeling the stretch on the left side of your neck.
  5. Return to center and repeat on the left side.
  6. Complete prescribed repetitions bilaterally.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Keep both shoulders level. Do not shrug. Breathe continuously.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if neck pain. Do not force beyond comfortable range.

Additional Safety Notes: Never force the stretch. Stop if experiencing pain or dizziness.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase hold time. Add gentle hand pressure on top of head.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease range of motion. Shorter hold times.

Benefits

Improved lateral neck flexibility, reduced lateral neck tension, increased range of motion.

Muscles Worked

  • neck
  • upper trapezius

Equipment Needed

No equipment required - just you and the water!

When to Use

  • Warm-up
  • Cool-down

Exercise Tags

stretching neck lateral flexibility Upper Body mobility

Attribution

Source TypeBook
Original AuthorOhio State University Wexner Medical Center
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationAquatic Exercises
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2026-01-18
Last Modified2026-01-18

External Source

TypeBook
URLhttps://healthsystem.osumc.edu/pteduc/docs/AquaticExerBk.pdf
Additional InfoOhio State Aquatic Exercise Guide - Upper Body Stretches section