What exercise is typically used to relax the neck muscles and enhance range of motion?

Gentle head tilts are an effective exercise for relaxing the neck muscles and enhancing range of motion. This exercise involves slowly leaning your head to one side and then the other, which helps to gently stretch the muscles along the sides of the neck. The motion encourages the release of tension built up in those muscles, promoting better flexibility and reducing stiffness. By incorporating controlled movements, gentle head tilts allow for gradual improvement in range of motion, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who may experience tightness or discomfort in their necks.

In contrast, neck stretches with resistance can place undue stress on the neck if not done correctly, and while shoulder rolls are helpful for overall shoulder mobility, they don't isolate the neck muscles effectively. The Cat-Cow stretch, although beneficial for spinal mobility, primarily focuses on the thoracic spine and does not specifically target the neck muscles. Thus, gentle head tilts stand out as a targeted approach for neck relaxation and improvement in flexibility.