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May 07
2019

Are you experiencing shoulder pain? If so, you will be happy to know that there are simple stretches to relieve shoulder pain that you can begin doing at home or under the direction of your physical therapist.

Shoulder pain can have many causes and can prevent you from completing your daily activities. These pains are often caused by sports injuries, poor lifting styles, and prolonged time spent driving or on a computer.

[Related article: Physical Therapy For Rotator Cuff Tendonitis]

Three Stretches To Relieve Shoulder Pain

Here are some easy but very effective stretches to relieve shoulder pain..

Cross Body Shoulder Stretch

Begin this stretch either sitting or standing. Just like the name suggests, hold your right elbow in your left hand, and bring your right arm across your body, stretching it to the left. Bring it to your chest until it stretches your shoulder. Hold for 20 seconds before repeating on the other side.

Gentle Neck Stretches

Muscles in the neck are connected to muscles that support the shoulders, so stretching the neck may help to relieve shoulder pain. Begin either sitting or standing and look forward. Gently release your neck down to the left side in an attempt to touch your ear to your shoulder. You should feel your neck gently stretching. Then, try tilting your head to the right in order to stretch your left shoulder. Stay in that position for 10 seconds and repeat on each side a few times.

Child’s Pose

Begin the child’s pose position kneeling on the floor with your knees wider than the width of the hip joint and feet together behind you. Sit down on the heel and then bend forward from the hips, resting your belly on your thighs. Stretch your arms in front of you and rest your forehead on the ground. You will feel this stretch in your shoulders and back, as well as your hips and elbows.

Lastly, if you are experiencing shoulder pain, pay attention to your sleep posture. One of the most important things you can do to help heal your shoulder is to make sure you are sleeping in the right position. You will re-injure or aggravate the shoulder injury through an inappropriate sleep position.

For more stretches to relieve shoulder pain, contact a physical therapist at Above & Beyond Physical Therapy in Queen Creek or Phoenix. A physical therapist is an important member of your healthcare team who can help you find relief from common causes of shoulder pain.

Contact us today.