Over the Shoulder Tension Holder

About This Class

This short, approachable class with Desiree Crossman is purpose-built to release tension held in the neck, shoulders, and upper back — the areas where so many of us unconsciously store stress. Suitable for seated or standing practice, the sequence requires no mat and can be done in virtually any setting. Desiree opens with cleansing breathwork to settle the nervous system, then moves into gentle lateral neck stretches with shoulder rolls to decompress the cervical spine. She introduces an ear-massage and thumb-shake technique aimed at releasing fascia along the brachial plexus and rhomboids, noticeably improving neck rotation. A hands-on self-massage between the shoulder blades and spine is followed by palm-press stretches, arm sweeps, modified eagle arms, and a chest-opening sequence with 90-degree arm extensions. The class closes with a flowing neck roll and a final self-massage, leaving the upper body feeling lighter and more mobile. The tone is warm, conversational, and encouraging throughout.