---
title: Controlled Articular Rotations (CARs)
description: Learn about Neck Controlled Articular Rotations (CARs), a mobility exercise designed to improve active neck range of motion, movement control, and joint health, with guidance on who should perform the exercise and how to adjust difficulty safely.
---

[Skip to content](https://help.neckcare.com/controlled-articular-rotations#main-content)

![NeckCare Logo](https://help.neckcare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NeckCare%20Logo_big%20(1)-1.png?height=20&name=NeckCare%20Logo_big%20(1)-1.png)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Request Support](mailto:support@neckcare.com)

[Request Support](mailto:support@neckcare.com)

 We're here to help...

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Help Center](https://help.neckcare.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [Exercises](https://help.neckcare.com/exercises?hsLang=en)

# Controlled Articular Rotations (CARs)

## Exercise active range of motion and movement control through slow, controlled head circles.

### Procedure

In a CARs exercise, the patient slowly moves their head in the largest possible circle while maintaining control, keeping the rest of the body still, and without inducing pain.

For video of the exercise, see: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=986FAogJRFw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=986FAogJRFw)

 

### Purpose

The exercise helps the patient see their available active range of motion and where the circle is smaller or less smooth. It also lets them practice neck mobility and movement control, as prescribed by their clinician.

Generally, when a joint is actively moved through its end ranges under muscular control, pliability of the joint capsule and surrounding connective tissues gradually increases, which can lead to increased active range of motion. By moving and rotating slowly and controlled through the range the mechanoreceptors are stimulated, which can support proprioception and dynamic stability training.

 

### What does it train?

Active range of motion and movement control

 

### Who should do this exercise?

 Patients with limited or painful neck range of motion, as prescribed by their clinician. Not for patients whose neck movement must be restricted.

- [Practice Marketing Materials](https://help.neckcare.com/practice-marketing-materials?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [NeckCare Home](https://help.neckcare.com/practice-marketing-materials?hsLang=en#neckcare-home)
- [For Patients](https://help.neckcare.com/for-patients?hsLang=en)
- [Getting Started](https://help.neckcare.com/getting-started?hsLang=en)
- [Setup & Requirements](https://help.neckcare.com/setup-requirements?hsLang=en)
- [Sensor Calibration](https://help.neckcare.com/sensor-calibration?hsLang=en)
- [Hardware & Device](https://help.neckcare.com/hardware-device?hsLang=en)
- [Platform Navigation](https://help.neckcare.com/platform-navigation?hsLang=en)
- [Assessments](https://help.neckcare.com/assessments?hsLang=en)
- [Exercises](https://help.neckcare.com/exercises?hsLang=en)
- [Results & Reporting](https://help.neckcare.com/results-reporting?hsLang=en)
- [Administration](https://help.neckcare.com/administration?hsLang=en)
- [NeckCare Home™](https://help.neckcare.com/neckcare-home?hsLang=en)
- [Troubleshooting](https://help.neckcare.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Bluetooth](https://help.neckcare.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#bluetooth)
- [FAQ](https://help.neckcare.com/faq?hsLang=en)
- [Maintenance](https://help.neckcare.com/maintenance?hsLang=en)
- [Safety & Compliance](https://help.neckcare.com/safety-compliance?hsLang=en)

[![NeckCare Logo.svg](https://help.neckcare.com/hubfs/NeckCare%20Logo.svg.svg "NeckCare Logo.svg")](http://app.neckcare.com)

support@neckcare.com

<https://www.facebook.com/neckcareofficial> <https://www.instagram.com/neckcare_official/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/neckcare/> <https://twitter.com/neckcare> <https://www.youtube.com/@NeckCareOfficial>

Copyright © 2025, NeckCare