Shoulder Relaxation with Dr. Eileen Yager

Brought to you by Creative Healing for Youth in Pain's Parenting Blog

September 26th, 2022

Dr. Eileen Yager
September 26, 2022 / 5 mins read

Today’s practices are to help relax tight shoulders.

First, close your eyes briefly and “tune in” to how your shoulders feel. Are they tense or relaxed? Do they feel at the same level or does one feel higher?

Then shrug shoulders up to ears, hold, and drop. Lift shoulders towards ears and move them forward and down, like making the letter D. Repeat, bringing them back and down, like the letter D.

Make forward circles with both shoulders, like a clock. Make sure the shoulders lift towards your ears, then move forward and down and back and up again. Do 10 times, slowly.

Then close eyes briefly and “check out” how shoulders feel.

Now do backwards circles with both shoulders, 10 times.

Close eyes briefly, take a deep breath, let shoulders drop as you breathe out, and “tune in” again to how they feel.

Then drop arms to sides, letting the weight pull your shoulders.

Sit quietly tuning in to how shoulders feel. Hopefully more relaxed!

You can do this exercise as many times a day as needed (not while driving!). This is a good way to relax tense muscles, reduce stress, and decrease discomfort. Safe practice, can teach to children, other adults.