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Body region · Rehab Science Chapter 15

Head & Neck

Indexed — full page in progressℹ Additional explanation

The neck balances the head on seven small vertebrae, steered by layered muscles. It also protects the nerves that travel to the arms.

Anatomical structures

Cervical spine

indexed

The seven neck vertebrae (C1–C7).

Upper cervical region

indexed

Skull base

Trapezius

indexed

Large diamond-shaped muscle from skull and spine to the shoulder blade.

Levator scapulae

indexed

Muscle from upper neck vertebrae to the top inner corner of the shoulder blade.

Sternocleidomastoid

indexed

Neck muscle from behind the ear to breastbone and collarbone; turns and bends the head.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

indexed

The jaw joint in front of the ear.

Deep neck flexors

indexed

Small muscles at the front of the spine that control neck posture.

Conditions

Rehab protocols

Tests

Scheduled.

Exercises (57)

Levator scapulae mobilisationRhomboid mobilisationUpper trapezius mobilisationPectoral mobilisationThoracic mobilisation (foam roller)Angel (foam roller)Dumbbell rowBanded row (kneeling)Lateral raiseBall variationBanded cervical retractionBent-over lateral raiseCervical extensor mobilizationCervical flexor curlCervical flexor isometric holdCervical lateral flexor curlCervical manual isometrics (four directions)Cervical mobilityCervical protraction and retraction mobilityCervical rotator curlDumbbell shrugExtensionFlex and extendFlexionFlexion and extensionLateral deviationLateral flexion (side-bend)Levator scapulae stretchManual variationManual variation 1Manual variation 2Masseter mobilizationMedian nerve slider mobilityMedian nerve tensionerOpening and closingPectoral stretchProtraction and retractionRadial nerve slider mobilityRadial nerve tensionerResisted closing

Prevention

Keep the phase 3 exercises from this region’s protocols in your routine 2–3× a week, build training load gradually and warm up specifically for your sport. Injury prevention principles →