Stretches and Exercises

Long hours in the OR can take a physical toll. These quick stretches and exercises help reduce strain, improve mobility, and reinforce ergonomic posture to support surgeon well-being and performance.

Surgical Ergonomic Recommendations 

These surgeon-friendly recommendations provide practical guidance to optimize operating room ergonomics across open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures, along with simple stretching protocols that surgeons can perform in the OR, between cases, or at home to help reduce strain and improve physical well-being.

Cervical Range of Motion

Complete each direction 10 times every 20-40 minutes or when you experience neck stiffness.

Scapular Movement

Standing Scapular Retraction

1. Pull shoulder blades down and towards the spine, pulling your upper trapezius away from the ceiling.
2. Hold for 5–10 seconds.
3. Repeat 10 times.

Cervical Stabilization

Deep Cervical Flexor Training

Intraoperative

1. Lower your chin in a downward nodding motion, to create a double chin.
2. Hold this downward position for 10 seconds to engage the front of the neck muscles.
3. Release.
4. Repeat 10 times.

Extraoperative

1. Place your closed fist between your chin and your chest, applying gentle pressure to activate the front neck muscles.
2. Hold this downward position for 10 seconds to engage the neck muscles.
3. Release.
4. Repeat 10 times throughout the day.

Between Case Stretching

Upper Trapezius

1. Gently bring your ear to your shoulder with your hand while placing your opposite hand behind your back.
2. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
3. Release.
4. Repeat two times on each side.

Levator Scapulae

1. Look at your armpit while resting your hand on your head to apply gentle overpressure.
2. Place your opposite hand behind your back.
3. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
4. Release.
5. Repeat two times on each side.

Pectoralis

1. Place your forearm against the corner of a wall or doorframe and step forward with the ipsilateral foot.
2. Facing forward, gently bend the front knee while keeping the opposite leg straight. Avoid arching your lower back. You should feel a stretch in the pectoral-is/anterior chest wall.
3. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
4. Release.
5. Repeat two times on each side.