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Posterior Shoulder Stretch

BeginnerstretchTier T1
Posterior Shoulder Stretch

Stretch the back of the shoulder which can contribute to neck and shoulder tension.

Targets: Neck (Cervical Spine)

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

none

Home Options

  • bodyweight

Dosage

2

Sets

25 sec

Reps / Time

15 sec

Rest

Hold 20-30 seconds each side

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Stand or sit with good posture
  • Bring right arm across body at chest height
  • Use left hand to hold right elbow
  1. Posterior Shoulder Stretch - Step 1 of 5: Gently pull right arm toward your chest

    Step 1 of 5

    Gently pull right arm toward your chest

  2. Posterior Shoulder Stretch - Step 2 of 5: Feel stretch in back of right shoulder

    Step 2 of 5

    Feel stretch in back of right shoulder

  3. Posterior Shoulder Stretch - Step 3 of 5: Keep shoulder down, don't shrug

    Step 3 of 5

    Keep shoulder down, don't shrug

  4. Posterior Shoulder Stretch - Step 4 of 5: Hold for 20-30 seconds

    Step 4 of 5

    Hold for 20-30 seconds

  5. Posterior Shoulder Stretch - Step 5 of 5: Repeat on other side

    Step 5 of 5

    Repeat on other side

Breathing

  • Slow deep breaths
  • Exhale to relax

Form Cues

  • Shoulder stays down
  • Gentle pull only
  • Relax into stretch
  • Breathe normally

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Shrugging shoulder up
  • Pulling too hard
  • Twisting body
  • Holding breath

Safety Information

Stop if shoulder pain occurs. Gentle stretch only.

Progressions

Longer holds.

Regressions

Less pull. Shorter hold.