The use of our neck and shoulder is central to our experience as humans. Our neck functions to position our head for seeing, hearing, and communicating and our shoulders allow us to reach and grasp in a large range. Because we use our neck and shoulders continuously throughout the day, this can be an area where we experience a lot of difficulty and discomfort. Poor postural habits, learned physical attitudes, and our universal use of computers probably contribute! Fortunately, good motor control and strengthening protocols have been shown to improve neck and shoulder function and reduce pain.

In this Movement Science Made Simple course we will:

• Study the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine and shoulder girdle.
• Examine the relationship between the arms, shoulder girdle and trunk in both open and closed chain movements.
• Learn simple exercises for mobilizing and strengthening the neck and shoulders and re-patterning their movement.
• Find places in the standard Pilates repertoire where we can apply what we’ve learned in the context of our usual teaching of clients and classes.