Purpose:

• Assess if the Head and Neck (Spine) are in Neutral Alignment.

HEAD & NECK ALIGNMENT 

• Does the Ear vertically align over the Spine and Hips?
• Does the Thoracic Spine or Lumbar Spine exhibit excessive curvatures?
• Does the Head protract forward beyond the vertical alignment of the Spine and Hips?

PREHAB EXERCISES 

• Soft Tissue Therapy (Mobility) for the Neck and Shoulder muscles, especially the Upper Trapezius and Chest Muscles.
• Stretch (Mobility) the Head, Neck, and Shoulders.
• Activate Core and Shoulder Muscles, especially the Deep Neck Flexors, Shoulder Girdle, Abdominals, and Oblique muscles.
• Practice Stability exercises for the Shoulders and Core.

Start with Mobility exercises and progress to Activation and Stability exercises for these regions if the Head and Neck (Spine) fail to exhibit Neutral Alignment.