We’ve been testing a neck stretcher device to help with neck extension and traction. Easy (and lazy) to use – all you do is lie on it! Helps with both neck/shoulder stiffness and posture.
It’s not suitable for everyone though, so please ask us for advice before using one.
This one seems to be well made and comfortable but there are many others:
If you use the arm position shown here in the instructions you get a Pec stretch for free!
Dr Jo has a video for more information:
Here’s a great exercise for strengthening the weaker muscles that result from forward head posture (texter’s neck, computer shoulders etc)
One of our favourite exercises for shoulder and neck pain/stiffness resulting from poor computer/phone posture or long distance driving. You can do these at your desk or in the car without even stopping what you’re doing!
Two videos showing pre-run warm up and post-run cool down stretches. DON’T stretch before running!
Sciatic nerve pain is often local to the mid gluteal / sacral area, although it can refer down the leg as far as the foot (it can also originate in the Lumbar spine, which is a different condition). Here is the low down on the culprit (Piriformis muscle).
Pain in the bony part of the Glutes – the ‘sit bone’ or Ischial Tuberosity – is commonly due to bursitis or a Hamstring strain where it connects to the bone. It’s not possible to say for sure which it is, but your therapist will carry out various tests to narrow it down. This is a great video which explains assessment and treatment.
Weakness in the Glute muscles, often one-sided, can affect walking and running gait resulting in pain in the hips and knees. Here’s a good exercise to test and strengthen the Glutes.
The TFL (Tensor Fasciae Latae) is a difficult muscle to stretch. It connects the pelvic crest to the Iliotibial Band (ITB) at the top of the hip. If you try to stretch it normally, the ITB will take up most of the slack. Try foam rollering instead. You can carry on down the outside of the leg to the knee to stretch the ITB as well – normally quite painful! Start against a wall instead of lying down if you find it too much.
Often tight in runners, the hip flexors need to be compliant for optimal gait.
