The rectus capitis posterior minor and rectus capitis posterior major (of the suboccipital group) are stretched by flexing the client’s head at the atlanto-occipital joint.
Suboccipital group:
- rectus capitis posterior major
- rectus capitis posterior minor
- obliquus capitis inferior
- obliquus capitis superior
Note: A small amount of further stretch for these muscles on one side of the body can be achieved by adding in lateral flexion to the opposite side.

The rectus capitis posterior minor and rectus capitis posterior major are stretched by flexing the client’s head at the atlanto-occipital joint.