- Chin Tuck/ Range of Motion
- Pectoral Stretch
- Wall Angel
- Y, T, W
- Myofascial Release (foam roller, if available)
If in extreme pain, ice only using the neck protocol below until instructed by Dr. Donohue to do otherwise * Stretching and exercise should feel like a mild burn. If you experience symptoms like sharp, shooting pains, tingling, numbness or weakness, discontinue exercise
1) Chin Tuck for Strengthening Neck
Exercise Instructions:
Tuck chin, lean head back looking straight ahead, shoulders back -hold for 20-30 seconds or 15 repetitions,5-10 times per day, 7 days a week
2) Stretches for Chest and Upper Body - Pectoral Stretch
Exercise Instructions:
- Use caution if history of shoulder pain
- Stretch 45 degrees over head for 20 seconds
- Stretch 90 degrees for 20 seconds
- Stretch 45 degrees down for 20 seconds
- Repeat 2-3 times
3) Wall Angel Exercise for Strengthening Neck, Shoulders and Upper Back
Exercise Instruction:
- Keeping head, back, wrists, shoulders, legs flat against wall
- Starting with elbows against body, move hands straight up
- Keeping above body parts pressed against wall
- 10 repetitions, repeat twice, 3 days a week, 1 day rest in between
4) YTW Exercise for Upper Body
Exercise Instruction: 2 Rounds 10 repetitions 3 times a week, 1 rest day in between.
5) Foam Roll / Myofascial Release
Exercise Instructions: Roll or rest in extension for 30 seconds, 1 time per day everyday
Low Back Protocol / Lower Body Health Protocol
If in extreme pain, ice only using the ice low back protocol below until instructed by Dr. Donohue otherwise * Stretching and exercise should feel like a mild burn. If you experience symptoms like sharp, shooting pains, tingling, numbness or weakness, discontinue exercise.
- Pelvic Tilt
- Cat/Camel
- Hip Crossover
- QL
- Wall Flower
- Figure Four
- Myofascial release (foam roller, if available)
1) Pelvic Tilt Strengthening Exercise for Low Back
Exercise Instruction:
- flatten back, squeeze belly, squeeze buttocks all at once
- can be done sitting, standing or laying face up
- hold for 20-30 seconds or 15 repetitions,5-10 times per day, 7 days a week
2) Cat Camel Stretch for Low Back
Exercise Instruction:
- Pull belly down, hold for 3 seconds
- Arch lower back up, hold for 3 seconds
- Keeping back arched up, sit on heels and/or bounce up and down
- 3 rounds, 10 repetitions, 1 time per day 3 to 4 times a week
3) Hip Crossover Exercise for Stretching Low Back
Exercise Instruction:
- Shoulders flat, knees bent at 90 degrees
- rotate legs to each side resting in place for 30 seconds
- 2-3 times per day, 7 days per week
4) QL Stretch
- Do not attempt, if symptoms like pain is present in low back
- Standing, cross leg so outside/far foot goes towards wall
- Reach with outside/ far hand over shoulder towards wall
- Should feel a stretch on outside / far lower back
- Hold 20-30 seconds, repeat 3 times on each side
5) Wall Flower
- Do not attempt, if symptoms like pain is present in lower back
- Laying on back, bring buttocks six inches from wall
- Start with feet together, legs straight against wall - hold for 30 seconds
- Bring feet to 45 degrees, legs straight - hold for 30 seconds
- Bring feet out as far as possible without pain - hold 30 seconds
- Repeat 3 times
6) Figure Four
- Do not attempt, if symptoms like pain is present in lower back
- Laying on back, feet against wall
- Place one foot on knee
- Increase intensity of stretch with pressure on knee
- Hold for 30 seconds, repeat on each leg 3 times
7) Foam Rolling for Low Back and Glutes
Exercise Instruction: Do not attempt if pain in spine is present. 30 seconds per region, 1 time a day, everyday
Ice protocol for Neck Pain
Exercise Instruction:
- Lay face up, head slightly extended for 15 minutes.
- Repeat every half hour, 3 times.
- Wait a few hours and repeat the cycle.
- Any symptoms like pain, tingling numbness - discontinue.
Ice Protocol for Low Back Pain
Exercise Instruction:
- Lay face up, knees up for 15 minutes, repeat every half hour 3 times.
- Wait a few hours and repeat the cycle.
- Any symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness - discontinue.