If time was on my side, I'd start every day with a restorative hour-long vinyasa yoga class to alleviate tight muscles and maintain mobility.

But in lieu of that luxury, I've started using a series of quick stretches every morning when I roll out of bed—in an attempt to release tension that's been building up in my lower back.

The stretches are from a protocol known as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy or MDT, pioneered by Kiwi physiotherapist Robin McKenzie over 40 years ago. You may like

How I relieve back tension first thing in the morning—with just two simple moves

I tried this three-minute stretching routine for my back after hours of gardening and it really helped

A physical therapist shares the four moves he does to keep his spine feeling youthful

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