Yoga in the vet clinic: Shoulder blade stretch

Have you built up stress and tightness working in the veterinary practice? Stretch out this hard-to-reach spot and push it all away.

Are you carrying around tension or upper back soreness from the daily grind in the clinic? We're here to help.

Check out this move from Fetch dvm360 conference wellness ambassador and certified yoga instructor Torry Chamberlayne, RVT: the shoulder blade stretch. She says it's a great way to release stress in this area that is difficult to stretch. Here's what to do:

Get your body right and keep it right with these posture thoughts

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Yoga in the vet clinic: A lower back stretch.

What's wrong with my posture in the veterinary exam room.

Watch Chamberlayne's demonstration to get the hang of how to intermingle your hands (or how to hug yourself, if that's easier).

As you gently tilt your chin downward, imagine the space between your shoulder blades slowly expanding.

Take five deep, slow breaths in the prescribed position, then switch your arms around and repeat.

This practice is great for staff members who spend long hours at the front desk hunched over computers, for those who wrangle all manner of patients or for those who end up on their feet for hours. Right-that's everyone in your clinic.

She recommends going through the sequence a few times a day, especially just when you start to notice the tension building up.

Added bonus: Chamberlayne-a new mama in her own right-says this is also an excellent exercise for mothers who carry lots of tension from holding the baby, nursing etc.

Watch the video for more.