Solve Your Neck Pain in the New Year
Happy New Year to everyone! Jess and I took the low key route and welcomed the new year at a friend's house. Jess took the following day to go skiing in Keystone where signs remain quite bleak for the season. I myself made my way to the gym, taking advantage of the day off to settle in and enjoy the day lifting.
I wanted to start the new year off exploring an exercise that has been at the forefront of my programming for many of my recent patients when it comes to their neck pain. For the majority of individuals with neck pain, the bulk of what you will find is stretch this, stretch that, and give it enough time and your symptoms will settle down. Now I wouldn’t necessarily label this as an incorrect approach, rather an incomplete perspective.
Generally speaking, the reason we develop symptoms in this area is typically due to underpreparedness. When was the last time you took the time to strengthen your neck? Yeah it's not really a thing…… Unless you are someone who is involved with jui jitsu, rugby, or some type of higher level contact sport, we don’t traditionally strengthen the neck directly. Rather we approach it through traditional pushing and pulling exercises. That's where Lu Raises come in.
I love Lu Raises not only for their value strengthening our neck and shoulders, but the added value of mobility. A Lu Raise is simply a lateral raise through a full range of motion, finishing with a big reach at the top. We get to check all the boxes. Your shoulders are working, your scapulas are grooving, and your neck and upper back are cooking.
Keep the weight lighter to start, own the full range and own the movement to begin. Progress the weight over time and maintain that big reach at the top. Good things are going to happen as we mix this into your programming.
When it comes to that pesky pain and kink at the base of your neck, I believe Lu Raises are the perfect complement for any neck pain physical therapy plan of care. Now if you find yourself needing a little more help in this area, please follow the links below to book a discovery call and initial evaluation where we can get you on the right path!
Helping athletes RESOLVE THEIR PAIN by CLEARLY DEFINING THE PROBLEM and IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS to get them back doing the activities they love!
If you are currently struggling with an injury or unable to perform in the activities you enjoy. Please follow the link to schedule a consultation call to discuss how we can help you.
