Easing Your Neck Tension with Sub-Occipital Release

Feeling comfortable in your neck and shoulders can make everyday movement, work, and rest much easier. But long hours at a desk, time spent looking down at a phone, muscle tension, or poor posture can leave the area at the base of the skull feeling tight and uncomfortable. 

Sub-occipital release is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on technique used by trained therapists to ease tension in the small muscles at the base of the skull and support more comfortable movement.

Common Neck Tension Issues Sub-Occipital Release Can Help Address 

Sub-occipital release can be incorporated into therapy when tightness around the neck and base of the skull contributes to symptoms such as:

• Headaches and migraines
• Tightness at the base of the skull
• Neck stiffness and discomfort
• Shoulder tension
• Posture-related strain
• Stress-related muscle tightness

Benefits of Sub-Occipital Release 

This hands-on technique focuses on easing tight muscles while supporting more natural, comfortable movement.

• Helps reduce tension linked to headaches and migraines

• Relaxes tight muscles around the neck and shoulders

• Supports better posture and spinal alignment

• Helps improve neck mobility and flexibility

• Encourages relaxation when muscles feel tense from stress

• Provides a gentle, non-invasive approach to care

• Can be adjusted as part of an individualized therapy program

When combined with a broader treatment plan, sub-occipital release can help address both the immediate tightness you feel and the movement patterns that may be contributing to it.

How Physical Therapy Can Help During Neck Pain and Tension 

Sub-occipital release is only one part of a well-rounded physical therapy program. Depending on your needs, your therapist may also include:

• Posture training for work, phone use, and everyday activities
• Gentle stretching to improve neck, shoulder, and spinal mobility
• Strengthening exercises to address muscle imbalances
• Hands-on therapy to reduce stiffness and improve movement
• Pain-management strategies for daily activities
• Education and personalized guidance to help reduce recurring strain

Your therapist can build a program around your symptoms, daily routine, mobility, and personal goals rather than using the same approach for everyone.

Start Feeling More Comfortable Again 

You don't have to simply push through recurring neck tension, headaches, or stiffness. The right combination of hands-on care, movement, and personalized guidance can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your day-to-day routine. 

Call today to schedule your consultation!

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, with clinics across Long Island, Queens, and Manhattan are ready to help.

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel. (631)-446.1480

Bayside:  Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420.2900

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021  Tel. (516) 466.7720

Lindenhurst: 760 N Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 Tel. (631) 318.0696 

Massapequa: 700 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758 Tel. (516) 797.7003

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344.0030

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572  Tel. (516) 992.2282

Rockaway Beach: 2-30 Beach 102nd Street, Suite 28, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Tel. (718) 945.9575

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367.1111

 In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 344.0017 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2 

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.