Summer is often when many of our patients travel, sleeping in awkward and non-supportive beds or couches (or on the ground for the campers and backpackers), and sitting in cars and planes for hours at a time. Low back pain & stiffness often follows.
Once you’ve reached your destination, or when you wake up stiff in an uncomfortable new bed, give this version of the cat/cow exercise a try. It will mobilize the spinal joints, hydrate the discs in between each of the vertebrae, and wake up the muscles surrounding it. Motion is how our joints stay healthy, so let’s move your spine and help it keep you going in your favorite movement practice or hobby.
Keys for this version of the cat/cow (Dr. Franco likes to call it the rainbow/unicorn, because she doesn’t want you to think you’re a cow) is to move slowly and initiate the movement from the base of your spine. Translate the motion slowly up the spine and hold the end position for a slow inhale and exhale. Do it at least 3 times in each direction, until you feel like your spine is loosened up and your muscles are activated. This is a great first move to do before any other stretching or exercises, but also as a stand-alone exercise to get you feeling ready to start the day.
We appreciate you, and look forward to seeing you in the office!
Drs. Jessica Franco and Rich Manley
Back in Balance
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