PROPHYSIOTHERAPY
Physio-Approved Exercise

How to do Suboccipital Release with Tennis Ball

Neck
Beginner
Tennis Ball
1-2 minutes each side
Reviewed by Dr. Jahirul (J) Mazumdar, BPT · 11 July 2026

Lie on your back with a tennis ball placed at the base of the skull on one side.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1
    Lie on your back with a tennis ball placed at the base of the skull on one side.
  2. 2
    Let the head rest on the ball. Gently nod for 60-90 seconds.
  3. 3
    Switch sides.
Watch demo video
Do
  • Relax fully
Don't
  • Avoid the bony spine directly
Clinically used for
Migraine & Tension HeadacheNeck PainTech Neck

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