Shoulder Stretches
Exercises > Flexibility (Joints) > Shoulder Stretches
The following shoulder stretches are designed to restore flexibility to the joints and muscles of the shoulder. If you are injured, you should discuss the suitability of these shoulder stretches with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily provided they do not cause or increase pain.
Shoulder Stretches – Basic Exercises
Shoulder Blade Squeezes
Begin sitting or standing tall with your back straight. Squeeze your shoulder blades together until you feel a mild to moderate stretch (figure 1). Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times provided the exercise is pain free.
Figure 1 – Shoulder Blade Squeezes
Pendular Exercises
Begin leaning forwards with your forearm supported on a table or bench. Keeping your back straight and your shoulder relaxed, gently swing your arm forwards and backwards until you feel a mild to moderate stretch (figure 2) . Repeat 10 times provided the exercise is pain free. Repeat the exercise swinging your arm side to side until you feel a mild to moderate stretch pain free.
Figure 2 – Pendular Exercises (right side)
Pendular Circles
Begin leaning forwards with your forearm supported on a table or bench. Keeping your back straight and your shoulder relaxed, gently swing your arm in circles clockwise until you feel a mild to moderate stretch (figure 3). Repeat the exercise swinging your arm counter clockwise. Repeat 10 times in each direction provided the exercise is pain free.
Figure 3 – Pendular Circles (right side)
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Shoulder Stretches – Advanced Exercises
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Shoulder Stretches – Less Common Exercises
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Other Exercises
- View Shoulder Strengthening Exercises
- View Upper Body Massage Ball Exercises
- View Upper Body Foam Roller Exercises
- View Upper Body Resistance Band Exercises
- View Basic Pilates Exercises
- View Basic Swiss Ball Exercises
Physiotherapy Products for Shoulder Exercises
- Resistance Band (For Strengthening Exercises)
- Massage Balls (For Self Massage)
- Foam Rollers (For Self Massage and Pilates Exercises)
- Swiss Balls
- Exercise Mats
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