Relief of Shoulder & Neck Discomfort
Rue-si Dat Ton (Wat Pho Style) Technique 3In this post, you will learn a simple self-stretching technique for relief of shoulder and neck discomfort. As you’ll discover though, this technique has many more benefits than that!
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Pronunciation Guide
[ Rue-si Dat Ton ]
Poetry In Motion
Clues From the Past

POEM TRANSLATION
In this section, we focus on the poem that goes with each illustration of a Rue-si performing the technique. Originally written in Old Thai and featured in the Samut Thai Khao, the poem translates to English as something like this:
Rue-si Singha is a recluse with the face of a lion. “Rue-si Singha with face of a human. The horn sprang up his head like flesh. Standing and twisting both hands on the waist Alleviates neck, shoulder, fever and sickness.”
This may not make sense to you upon first glance. However, try to find any keys that may be hidden in the words.
Before We Begin
Firstly, we need to understand the benefits of this technique as well as consider any precautions & recommendations in order to achieve maximum results and ensure safety.
In Addition to Relief of Shoulder & Neck Discomfort…
Benefits of This Technique Include:
- Stretches muscles such as the flexor group of the hip, Hamstrings, Gastrosoleus, Supraspinatus, Trapezius (superior fiber).
- Exercises the Quadriceps Femoris, Tibialis Anterior, & Erector Spinae muscles.
- Improves joint mobility and range of motion – internal rotation, flexion, extension, and adduction of the Shoulder Joint, extension of the hip joint, flexion of the knee joint, and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint.
- Breathing meditation improves the respiratory system.
- Refreshes the mind.
- Relieves shoulder and neck discomfort.
Recommendations & Precautions
Recommendations:
- First, prepare your body & mind before practicing Ruesi Dat Ton (check yourself, set intention, etc).
- Don’t let others help – you have to do it by yourself or you risk getting injured.
- Do not stretch too hard and fast. Pace yourself.
- Stretch to your full range of motion and hold for 3-15 seconds (as you feel is right for you).
- For best results, repeat each technique 3-5 times.
- After practicing, try not to stop/rest suddenly. Take some time before moving into a restful state so as to balance heart rythm.
- Finally, it’s best to practice 3 times a week or every other day for maximum benefit.
Precautions (use caution and/or consult doctor before practicing if you have/had):
- Total Hip Replacement
- After Hip or Knee Surgery
- Osteoarthritis (OA) Knee & Other Bone Issues
- Have Area(s) of Infection/Inflammation
- Swollen Areas
- Chronic Muscle Pain
- Vertigo or Balance Problems
- Unstable Blood Pressure
- Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)
Prepare Your Body.
Prepare Your Mind.
Okay, Let’s Begin
How To Do This Technique
Relief of Shoulder & Neck Discomfort
Starting Position
Begin by standing upright, inhale & reach your hands behind your lower back and hold your left wrist with your right hand.
Action
- Exhale & step back with the right leg first, so that your right foot is pointing outwards.
- Bend the left knee forwards, and inhale deeply while pulling the left hand to the right.
- Exhale slowly, straightening your bent knee and return to start.
- Now Inhale & hold your right wrist with your left hand.
- Exhale & step back with the left leg, so that your left foot is pointing outwards.
- Bend the right knee forwards, and inhale deeply while pulling the right hand to the left.
- Exhale slowly, straightening your bent knee and return to start.
Helpful Tips
- In this technique, it’s important to keep the hips facing squarely forward as much as possible while stepping backward.
- Pull your arm and bend the knee forward at the same time.
- Your bent knee shouldn’t go beyond your toes. If you need a deeper stretch, step back farther.
- When returning, inch your rear foot forward in small steps to avoid pulling a muscle.
Add To The Flow
This technique is intended provide relief of shoulder and neck discomfort and can be done independently for that purpose. However, it can also be combined with other techniques in a preventative maintenance routine for your body. Move directly from this technique to the next here. If you prefer, the Wat Pho Style of 18 techniques in one routine can found and practiced on the main Learn Rue-si Dat Ton page. Enjoy!
Keep Practicing For Maximum Results And…
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Our Mission
Our mission is to seek out and gather all knowledge pertaining to Rue-si Dat Ton from legitimate sources far and wide. We plan to consolidate and refine the information, address the extinction issues stated on our website, and put it into digital form. This ensures not only that it will be preserved, but that its healing wisdom will be accessible around the world. We aim to fulfill the dreams of Kings. We greatly appreciate any and all support in this seemingly impossible quest that has been riddled with complications throughout the centuries. Thank You.
Important Note: Most information presented here was acquired from the Watpo Thai Traditional Medical School in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s a great school and quite likely the #1 place to learn Thai massage in the world. Highly Recommended!