Exercise Library
Cervical rotation mobilization
What it does
Cervical rotation mobilization may help improve segmental motion in the upper cervical spine, particularly at the atlantoaxial joint. Because the trigeminocervical nucleus links cervical nociceptive afferents with the trigeminal nerve, reducing cervical spine dysfunction may help reduce referred pain and tension in the masticatory muscles, thereby improving TMJ mechanics.
How to do it
- Sit or stand with an upright posture, keeping your neck neutral and chin slightly tucked.
- Place a towel around the back of your neck, crossing your hands in front of your chest to grasp the opposite ends.
- Anchor the bottom end of the towel firmly down against your chest.
- Use the top hand to gently pull the towel horizontally across your cheekbone, guiding your head into rotation.
- Apply gentle overpressure at the end range of motion, hold briefly, and slowly return to the starting position.
Progression
Progress by applying a 5-10 second sustained hold at the end range of rotation to increase tissue extensibility.
Regression
Regress to active range-of-motion cervical rotation without the use of towel-assisted overpressure.
