• HOME
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • Meet Our Experts
    • Success Stories
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Our Story
    • Tour The Facility
  • PAIN RELIEF
    • Back Pain
    • Sciatica
    • Herniated Disc
    • Shoulder Pain
    • Knee Pain
    • Neck Pain
    • Youth Injury
    • Pregnancy & Postpartum
  • FITNESS PROGRAMS
    • Personal Training
    • Get In Shape
    • Youth Injury Prevention
    • Performance Training
  • TIPS & ADVICE
    • Free Reports
    • Blog
    • Podcast
    • Recommended Products
    • Workshops
    • Custom Orthotics
    • Custom Pillow
  • HIRING
    • NOW HIRING – Office Manager
    • NOW HIRING – Client Care Specialist
    • NOW HIRING – Massage Therapist
    • NOW HIRING – Performance Specialist
    • Client Relationship Specialist
    • Account Manager
    • Sales Development Representative
    • Sales Specialist
    • Physical Therapist
    • Client Experience Specialist
    • Marketing Assistant
    • Operations Manager
    • Internship
    • Acupuncturist
    • Marketing Internship
  • CONTACT
    • Virtual Visits
    • Inquire About Cost & Availability
    • Free Phone Consultation
    • Free “Discovery” Visit
    • Contact Us
Sports Performance Physical TherapySports Performance Physical Therapy
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • Meet Our Experts
    • Success Stories
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Our Story
    • Tour The Facility
  • PAIN RELIEF
    • Back Pain
    • Sciatica
    • Herniated Disc
    • Shoulder Pain
    • Knee Pain
    • Neck Pain
    • Youth Injury
    • Pregnancy & Postpartum
  • FITNESS PROGRAMS
    • Personal Training
    • Get In Shape
    • Youth Injury Prevention
    • Performance Training
  • TIPS & ADVICE
    • Free Reports
    • Blog
    • Podcast
    • Recommended Products
    • Workshops
    • Custom Orthotics
    • Custom Pillow
  • HIRING
    • NOW HIRING – Office Manager
    • NOW HIRING – Client Care Specialist
    • NOW HIRING – Massage Therapist
    • NOW HIRING – Performance Specialist
    • Client Relationship Specialist
    • Account Manager
    • Sales Development Representative
    • Sales Specialist
    • Physical Therapist
    • Client Experience Specialist
    • Marketing Assistant
    • Operations Manager
    • Internship
    • Acupuncturist
    • Marketing Internship
  • CONTACT
    • Virtual Visits
    • Inquire About Cost & Availability
    • Free Phone Consultation
    • Free “Discovery” Visit
    • Contact Us

Relieving Neck Pain During and After Handstand Push Ups

July 7, 2018 Posted by Dr. Marissa - Physical Therapist CrossFit, Fitness & Performance Training, Injury Prevention, Neck, Physical Therapy, Shoulder

Kipping handstand pushups (HSPU): incredibly fast and efficient, but not always incredibly comfortable. If you’re anything like me and are able to perform tons of kipping HSPU, but significantly fewer than tons of strict HSPU, you might be experiencing some neck pain during the WODs that pop up every month or so with high volume HSPU, often combined with other shoulder toasting movements. Unfortunately for me, that pain feels like a searing needle radiating into my shoulder blade, but it can manifest itself as pain shooting into your arm, numbness and tingling into your hand, or just a burning sensation in your neck.

           

Why does this happen?

While the strict handstand pushup is completed nearly entirely by the actions of your chest, shoulder, and supporting upper back musculature, a kipping HSPU adds in a dynamic upward force from your hips and legs. The leg drive works because you have a hard surface, (the ground) to push against. In the HSPU, your contact points with the ground are your two hands and your head. If you’re using the kip to compensate for muscular strength, some of the force goes through your shoulders, but the remainder of that force goes through your head and neck in order to create powerful upward movement. The result is sometimes compression of the small bones of your neck, and consequently, compression of the nerves that exit the spine on their way to your arms. This is what causes that sensation of numbness/tingling, or pain that radiates down your arm.

What can I do about it?

The first and easiest solution is to modify your neck positioning during the HSPU so that the nerves have a little bit more space. You can do this by making sure you keep your chin tucked back toward your throat (double chin style) whenever you have weight through your head.

       

Tucked vs. untucked chin.

The more effective and longer term answer is to strengthen your shoulder/chest musculature so that they can handle more force and thus reduce the load through your neck. Below are some drills for you to work on your HSPU strength.

    

Pike box handstand pushup. 

     

Wall facing handstand pushup.

     

Banded handstand pushup.

However, sometimes you’ll need a temporary solution to mitigate the pain while you’re building your strength. Many people benefit from massage or from having a friend gently pull on the base of your head which simulates some gentle cervical traction, but we’ve got an additional solution for you try.

Gentle cervical traction.

Nerve Flossing.

Nerve flossing, or nerve gliding is a way to relieve burning/tingling/numbness, and pain by desensitizing the nerves to movement. It helps the nerves glide better through your musculature and acts as a massage for your nervous system!

Depending on where your pain is, you can try different nerve flossing techniques to provide some relief. Try out the flosses below for 20 reps twice a day and feel your pain, numbness, tingling, or discomfort disappear!

Pain in your palm, thumb, and index finger? This video will cover that pain as well as pain in your pinky and ring finger, and lastly, pain in the back of your hand. Try these out for pain relief!

Pain in your neck, shoulder, or upper arm(s)? Try all of these and see which one feels the best.

TLDR and Bottom Line: Kipping HSPU can result in compression of the nerves in the neck resulting in pain, numbness, or tingling. Strengthening, positioning modifications, and nerve flossing can all help alleviate these symptoms so you can perform at your best!

As always, I hope this helps!  If you have any questions or would like to read about certain topics, send us an email at TeamSP@SportsPerformancePT.com. 

P.S. If you’re experiencing stiffness or pain in your neck which restricts your ability to move without pain, CLICK HERE to download our free neck pain tips guide which includes actionable tips I give to my clients at Sports Performance. Click here to get your free copy: www.SportsPerformancePT.com/Neck-Pain.

-Dr. Marissa – Physical Therapist

Sports Physical Therapist

For more tips on optimizing athletic performance FOLLOW US on:

  • Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/SportsPerformancePT
  • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SportsPerformancePT
  • YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/SportsPerformancePT

TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Share
1

About Dr. Marissa - Physical Therapist

Doctor Of Physical Therapy | Sports Physical Therapist | CrossFit Level 1 Trainer | Movement Specialist

You also might be interested in

CrossFit Open 17.1 Warm Up And Mobility

CrossFit Open 17.1 Warm Up And Mobility

Feb 23, 2017

Stay healthy for the CrossFit Open 17.1. Watch this video[...]

The 5 Recovery Essentials

The 5 Recovery Essentials

Jun 27, 2020

Its 2020 and RECOVERY has taken the spotlight. It turns out, what we do outside of the gym has just as much, if not more impact on our desired outcome as what we do in training. With that in mind, here are some of the best principles and strategies that you can use to make recovery work for you.

Crossover Symmetry Scapular Activation

Crossover Symmetry Scapular Activation

Mar 6, 2016

The crossover symmetry can be an effective tool for athletes.[...]

“Tell Us Where It Hurts…”

And We’ll Send You Our Best Advice And Top Tips In One Special Report…

It’s FREE! Just Look Below And Find The One That Works Best For You…

Physical Therapy in Chula Vista, CA

BACK PAIN

Physical Therapy in Chula Vista, CA

SHOULDER PAIN

Physical Therapy in Chula Vista, CA

KNEE PAIN

Physical Therapy in Chula Vista, CA

YOUTH INJURY

BLOG CATEGORIES

  • Acupuncture (33)
  • Ankle & Foot (43)
  • CrossFit (62)
  • Elbow & Hand (38)
  • Fitness & Performance Training (114)
  • Health & Wellness (92)
  • Hip, Back & Core (62)
  • Injury Prevention (118)
  • Knee (46)
  • Massage Therapy (49)
  • Neck (41)
  • Physical Therapy (120)
  • Recovery Techniques (86)
  • Running (46)
  • Shoulder (47)
  • Warm Up & Mobility (71)
  • Youth Athletes (49)

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Join our Team! Elevate Athletes as a Performance S Join our Team! Elevate Athletes as a Performance Specialist – Unleash your Expertise! 🏋️

Calling all health and wellness enthusiasts with a passion for elevating athletic performance! If you thrive on pushing limits, inspiring progress, and optimizing potential, this is your moment. Join our SP team as a Performance Specialist and make a lasting impact. 🌟

Ready to take a leap? Click the link below to seize this incredible opportunity! 💪⬇️

Link: https://www.sportsperformancept.com/performance-specialist-application/ 

#SportsPerformance  #PhysicalTherapy  #JoinTheTeam
_________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️ Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
Discover a healthier you and a healthier family at Discover a healthier you and a healthier family at Fit Fest on Oct 14th! 🤩

Don’t miss this FREE, family friendly event showcasing local businesses dedicated to health and fitness. Whether you’re seeking a healthier lifestyle for yourself, your spouse, or your kids, Fit Fest is your go-to destination for inspiration and transformation! 🔥

If you want to learn more about this event, click the link below! ⬇️

Link: https://www.sportsperformancept.com/fitfest/ 

#SportsPerformance #PodcastTalks #FitFest2023
____________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
Celebrating One Year of Excellence with Dr. Shane! Celebrating One Year of Excellence with Dr. Shane!! 🎉

It is a special day at Sports Performance as we celebrate Dr. Shane’s one year as a SP Physical Therapist! His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment have made a world of difference for all of us. 💗

Join us in the comments below to congratulate Dr. Shane and show your appreciation for the incredible work he does! 🙌

#SportsPerformancePT #TeamSP #Friday. 
____________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
Expert guidance for shoulder relief! 🤗 Watch o Expert guidance for shoulder relief! 🤗

Watch our massage therapist, Karo, unveil effective exercises for your rotator cuff tendons. Experience pain relief while doing high intensity contractile exercises.Embrace the path to pain-free living. Let your discomfort lead the way to healing! 🌟
 
Send us a DM if you have any questions! 📲

#MassageTherapy #SportsPerformancePT #MassageTipThursday
____________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
Form is the Foundation! 💪 At Sports Performanc Form is the Foundation! 💪

At Sports Performance, form always comes first. Watch as Coach Jamie guides our youth client through perfecting his deadlift technique. If you’re seeking a place to master form, build strength, and more, look no further. 💯🏋️

Send us a DM if you have any questions! 📲

#SportsPerformance #PerformanceTraining #PushingBoundaries
____________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
Strengthening the Foundation 🔥 Join us for a g Strengthening the Foundation 🔥

Join us for a glimpse into a client’s journey by targeting those crucial rotator cuff muscles. In between physical therapy sessions, our clients are empowered with exercises and stretches like this to nurture their journey to better health. 💫

Send us a DM if you have any questions! 📲

#SportsPerformance  #PhysicalTherapy #ShoulderExercise
____________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
Calling all health and wellness enthusiasts! 🌱 Calling all health and wellness enthusiasts! 🌱

Exciting news awaits – an incredible chance to join our SP team as a Massage Therapist! Do you have a knack for healing through the art of massage? If so, this is the opportunity for you. 💆

If you’re ready to be a vital part of enhancing athletic excellence and overall well-being. Click the link below to seize this amazing opportunity! 👇

Link: https://www.sportsperformancept.com/massage-therapist-position/

#SportsPerformance  #PhysicalTherapy  #JoinTheTeam
_________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️ Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
🌟Words of Gratitude 🌟 Rosanne’s powerful 🌟Words of Gratitude 🌟

Rosanne’s powerful words remind us why we do what we do. We’re deeply touched by transformational experiences our clients are having on their path to better health. Thank you, Rosanne, for sharing your journey with us! 🛣️

We’re a proud SP family dedicated to making a difference in lives. 🫶 

#SportsPerformance  #PhysicalTherapy  #ClientAppreciation
_________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️ Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
Experience the healing touch! 🙌 Witness the tr Experience the healing touch! 🙌

Witness the transformative power of scraping in physical therapy as Dr. Taresh skillfully enhances blood flow and loosens tight tissue. We’re dedicated to guiding you back to your passions one technique at a time. 😁

Send us a DM if you have any questions! 📲

#SportsPerformancePT #PhysicalTherapy #ManualTherapy
____________________________________
Sports Performance PT - San Diego, CA

We specialize in keeping people healthy and active. 

🌐Website: SportsPerformancePT.com

☎️Phone: (619) 397-1391

#SportsPerformancePT #SanDiego #ChulaVista #KearnyMesa #Eastlake #PointLoma #Gaslamp #LittleItaly #NorthPark #SoCal #SouthBay #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #InjuryPrevention #Rehab #StrengthTraining #Weightlifting #WeightTraining #GymLife #SanDiegoFitness #SanDiegoFit #SDfitness #SanDiegoLiving #SoCalLiving #SDliving #SanDiegoLife #PhysicalTherapySanDiego
LOAD MORE FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
Experience the Sports Performance difference! Call us today (619) 397-1391

CLAIM YOUR FREE E-BOOK

Get A FREE E-Book When You Subscribe To Our Blog!

Use the Form Below to Get Weekly Health Tips Sent to You for FREE.

LOCATIONS

  • Chula Vista Location (Headquarters)
  • 821 Kuhn Dr., Unit 107, Chula Vista, CA 91914
  • (619) 397-1391
  • TeamSP@SportsPerformancePT.com

Monday – Thursday: 7:00am – 7:00pm
Friday: 7:00am – 5:00pm

______________________________________

  • San Diego Location
  • 4029 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92110
  • (619) 397-1391
  • TeamSP@SportsPerformancePT.com

Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

______________________________________

  • Kearny Mesa Location
  • 5745 Kearny Villa Rd, Suite 113, San Diego, CA 92123
  • (619) 397-1391
  • TeamSP@SportsPerformancePT.com

Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

GET STARTED

Schedule Appointment

Free “Discovery” Visit

Free Phone Consultation

Inquire About Cost & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet Our Experts

Contact Us

CONNECT WITH US

Blog

Podcast

We’re Hiring! Join Our Team!

POLICIES & NOTICES

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

Disclaimer

© 2023 Sports Performance Physical Therapy. All Rights Reserved.

  • Services
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Buy Highend
Prev Next