Tight shoulders and neck? Try a foam roller.

Many factors can be included when considering what causes upper body aches and stiffness. Injury, stress, posture and the biggest culprit, our phones. I believe there term is tech neck. Where your neck and shoulders fall lazily forward while scrolling, texting and posting. Prolonged periods in this hunch position can be daunting on your spine and muscles as it is an unnatural body position.

Stress is carried on our shoulders. When under duress we tend to hike our shoulders toward our ears as a defense mechanism for a perceived threat. Essentially fight or flight mode. This can cause tension on the shoulders and neck muscles only adding to the stress.

Or if you’re like me and have suffered a motor vehicle accident resulting in TBI/whiplash and all the fun things. Your neck is a constant brick wall full of dull compounding aches. With that, I want to show you 3 mobility movements on the foam roller that will help elongate your spine and stretch your upper body muscles. This is a tool I have used on myself and my clients for over 10 years and I stand by it. I have added notes below the videos and keep in mind that you can use a rolled up towel for a softer option.

Shoulder extension- make sure your fingertips hit the floor while extended.

Goalpost- remember to keep elbows high and fingertips to the ground.

Backstroke- remember to follow your fingertips and turn your neck to the side as your arm goes back.