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Standing Chin Retraction exercise demonstration
Exercise library

Standing Chin Retraction

Drawing the chin straight back to correct forward-head posture, a common driver of tension-type headaches.

Area
Cervical spine
Stage
Early rehab
Equipment
No equipment

Typical dose: 2 sets × 10 reps, 5s hold · twice a day. This is a general starting point, not a plan matched to your condition or stage.

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How to do it

No equipment needed - just a bit of space.

Stand tall with your back against a wall and your feet a little way from the skirting board, so the back of your head lightly touches the wall. Look straight ahead.

  1. Keeping your eyes level, gently draw your chin straight back, as if making a double chin.
  2. Let the back of your head slide up the wall a little as your chin tucks in.
  3. Hold the position for a few seconds, keeping your face pointing forwards.
  4. Relax and let your head return to its normal resting position.

Form cues

  • The movement is a straight backward glide, not a nod up or down.
  • You feel a gentle stretch at the base of your skull and the back of your neck.
  • Your jaw and shoulders stay relaxed throughout.

Common mistakes

  • Tipping your head down towards your chest instead of gliding it back.
  • Pushing back so hard that it feels forced or pinching.
  • Holding your breath during the tuck.

Safety: Stop and message your physio if it brings on dizziness, pins and needles in the arms or hands, or a severe or unusual headache.

Part of these recovery programmes

This exercise is one step in a staged plan for the conditions below. Each link opens the full programme and shows where this exercise fits.

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