How to Stretch Your Shoulders

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Stretch Your Shoulders

Your shoulders may tend to stiffen if you don't make a conscious effort to loosen them up. If they do, this simple stretch may help them out.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Athletic Shoes
Athletic Headbands
Exercise Weights
Weight Belts

Step 1

Stand straight with both feet flat on the floor and both arms at your sides.
Step 2

Extend arms out to each side, with elbows straight and palms facing down. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds.
Step 3

Keeping both arms outstretched, move both palms together over your head. Both arms should be extended upward.
Step 4

Slowly bend your left arm at the elbow so that your left hand drops behind your head.
Step 5

Place your right hand on your left elbow and exert pressure on the left arm by gently pulling the elbow behind your head. You should feel the left shoulder stretch. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 6

Switch arms and pull your right elbow with your left hand. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 7

Repeat exercise for both shoulders two or three times.
Step 8

Bring arms back to original position.

Tips & Warnings

Stretch as far and as long as is comfortable.
Try not to exert too much pressure on your shoulders, which can cause pain and possibly injury.
If you have any condition which would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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Comments

parmvir said

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on 1/26/2009 great
thanks

PhysioCare said

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on 12/30/2008 This is a tricep Stretch!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Ideally you would hold a stretch for as long as the muscle was under load. The stretch should not hurt at all, just slight tension. If the tension does not subside after about 15 seconds, relax your stretch a little. Once the stretch subsides, you can stretch a little more to create the slight tension again.