The Best Stretch For Your Shoulders

24

Jul
2010

There are number of shoulder stretching exercises. But which is the most important and why?

Why stretch the shoulder posterior capsule?

  • Shoulder Pain: It has been shown in number of studies that posterior shoulder tightness could be one of the risk factors for shoulder problems and pain.
  • Figure: The figure shows how a tight posterior capsule can cause impingement and shoulder pain when you raise your arm.

  • Weight Lifters: It has been consistently shown in number of studies that overhead athletes, recreational weight lifters and bodybuilders have limited internal rotation or a tight posterior capsule.

    The tight posterior capsule in weight lifters could be due the limited internal rotation end-range of motion exercises compared to external rotation exercises.

What are the stretches for the posterior capsusle?

The two most common stretches for posterior capsule are:
1. Sleeper stretch
2. Cross body stretch.

So which is the best shoulder stretch?

Of the two, a recent study showed that the cross body stretch to be more effective for posterior capsule and increasing IR range of motion compared to sleeper stretch

Practical Application

  • If you had to pick just one stretch to prevent shoulder pain and problems, pick the cross body stretch.
  • If you have the time, do both.

Reference 1
Reference 2

Similar Posts:

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: Stretch, Stretch Shoulders

leave your comment

Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.