This is an easy stretch to do by yourself. Lie down on your back, keep your neck lengthened, and turn your head to the right as far as possible; tuck your chin as far as possible, and pull your left shoulder toward your feet. Now, place your left arm under your body to anchor your left shoulder. Wrap your right arm around your head so that your right fingers can hold the base of your skull

From this starting position, try to bring your left shoulder and the back of your head toward each other but don’t let them move. Use only mild to moderate effort. Hold this isometric contraction of the left upper traps for 6-10 seconds, then relax. Now increase the stretch by turning your head farther to the right, tucking your chin, and pulling your left shoulder farther away from your head. Repeat, then stretch the other side.