Chin tuck with overpressure is a gentle neck mobility exercise that encourages the deep neck flexor muscles to activate while improving movement of the upper cervical spine. It is commonly prescribed to help reduce neck pain and stiffness, improve posture, decrease headaches related to neck tension, and restore normal neck movement. The added overpressure provides a gentle stretch at the end of the movement to help improve mobility.
- Sit or stand upright with your shoulders relaxed.
- Look straight ahead and keep your head level.
- Gently draw your chin straight backwards, creating a “double chin” without tilting your head up or down.
- Once you reach the end of the movement, place one or two fingers on your chin.
- Apply gentle pressure to move your chin slightly further backwards until a mild stretch or tension is felt.
- Hold briefly while maintaining relaxed shoulders and normal breathing.
- Slowly release the overpressure and return to the starting position.
- Complete repetitions as prescribed by your physiotherapist.