If you are looking for a shoulder stretch, it can be a bit confusing - there are so many to choose from.
This is a complex joint, able to perform a huge number of movements through a wide range of movement - thus, there is no single shoulder stretch that will work the whole area perfectly.
Therefore, rather than one shoulder stretch, we have chosen two which will, between them, improve the flexibility of the whole joint.
The first works the back of the joint:
- Reach your arm out straight, parallel to the ground, then bring it across your chest.
- With your other hand, grasp the crossed arm at the elbow.
- Pull your arm to the rear - you should feel the tightness in the muscle at the back of the joint (rear deltoid).
- Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.
For the front and middle of the joint, try this exercise:
- Hold a rolled up towel or strap in both hands.
- Straighten your arms out in front of you, parallel to the ground.
- Take a deep breath, and move your arms up overhead.
- Continue the movement, bringing them down to the rear as far as they will go.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- If you cannot keep your arms straight, lengthen the strap.
- Return to the start position, relax, then repeat.
