Best Shoulder Mobility Exercises

Dealing with shoulder pain? Limited mobility hurting your performance in overhead lifts? No worries…we’ve got you covered with these exercises designed to open up your shoulder mobility!

Shoulder Mobility Exercises

Prayer Stretch

First, we have the prayer stretch (aka the bench stretch). This is a very easy to set up drill with only a bench, couch, or chair needed. However, a few subtle changes can really impact where this drill works. If you focus on arching your upper back this becomes a great thoracic mobility exercise. On the other hand, tuck your tailbone under you and you’ll bias the lats a bit more. In addition, you can grab a PVC pipe with a wide grip and the lats and external rotators will be placed under more stretch. Lots of great options for this drill!

Shoulder CARs

Next, shoulder CARs (controlled articular rotations) are a favorite of ours to get after improving your active overhead mobility. Many individuals have great passive motion, but can’t actively get into those positions. This drill bridges that gap.

Goblet Squat and Press

Third, the goblet squat and press is deceiving. For example, it looks easy but it is far from it! Grab a light weight and keep your elbows tight as you press overhead. You’ll quickly see why this is one of our favorite drills for improving your overhead mobility.

Lat Eccentrics

Eccentrics (to clarify-where a lift is slowly lowered into a stretched position) are a great way to open up shoulder mobility while getting you stronger. For lat flexibility, this eccentric drill is one of our favorites. Go slow and controlled throughout the rep to get the most out of it. In other words, the slower the rep is, the more challenging.

Foam Roll Up Wall

Lastly, our final move is the foam roll up wall. By pressing into the foam roller before rolling up, you’ll activate some of the muscles that help your shoulder blade move. Certainly, this can be a game-changer for your shoulder mobility.

Still Suffering from Shoulder Pain?

Ready to get serious about improving your shoulder health and getting out of pain? Our Charlotte, NC physical therapy team specializes in shoulder pain and we’d love to help you out. Schedule an appointment today with one of our sports physical therapists!