Why are my shoulders so tight?

Shoulders are a big sticking point for many of us. We constantly assess and help people with long histories of stiff, tight, achy shoulders and upper backs. More often than not there is no significant injury history but very commonly there is a base of sedentary behaviour, such as office work and driving, and a significant lack of any structured stretching or mobility exercise. Welcome to our modern lives!

Most shoulder pain can be fixed without the need for invasive surgery but it can take time to undo a lifetime of poor habits which have lead to soft tissue adaptations with weakness in some areas and tightness or stiffness in others.

Shoulders are very mobile and we put them through a lot over our lifetime with an expectation they will be fine with no real consideration given to tuning or maintenance work. Tightness and pain can easily creep in and often presents initially as discomfort reaching overhead, pain opening a door, or a struggle to weight bear through our arms. This can develop to more constant nagging pain and stiffness and a reduced ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy physical exercise or activities.

Many people just put up with having a dodgy shoulder and accept it as a new norm but with the right guidance and exercises most situations can be at least significantly improved if not completely fixed. Like everything in life though you won’t get something for nothing and commitment to changes in habit and daily routines will be required. A balance of stretching and strengthening exercises is normally key and we have provided a great starting point here with our 5 point stretching routine.

Let’s get started!

We must bear in mind that every body is different as is each individuals unique history and circumstances so please use this routine as a guide to start improving your shoulder health and flexibility but do so carefully. Start slowly and gently and never push in to pain. Work to better your own range of motion but do not compare yourself to the video or anyone else. Practice daily and be patient but also persistent. If you can only do part of the movement or a modified / reduced range that is fine, just do what you can. Of course as with all advice please consult with a health professional if you have significant pain or loss of normal function.

Mobility Flow Video:

Exercise 1

Shoulder rolls / Scapular circles

• Begin in all 4s position.Hands fixed under shoulders shrug shoulders to ears thenslide back and down and release. Then spread shoulder blades apart stretching across upper back, relax and allow shoulders and back to hollow.

• Try to perform this as a slow circular rolling motion working in various directions

• Perform this movement for 60 seconds

Exercise 2

Elevated Arms to Partial Childs Pose / Prayer Stretch

• Begin in all 4s position with arms straight out elevated on flat surface. Gently sit bottom back towards heels and let weight drop down between shoulder blades and through upper back

• When in position try gently squeezing shoulders together and releasing and light pressing through the hands with slight twist/rotation movement

• Try breathing in deeply and coming out of the stretch slightly then breathing out slowly and dropping deeper into stretch

• Explore the stretch position with subtle movements and breathing for 60 seconds +

Prayer Stretch (Option 2)

• Perform stretch as above but move to have elbows resting on flat surface with arms positioned in ‘Prayer’ posture

• Sit weight gently back and down relaxing between shoulder blades and across upper back. Try to let head bypass the bench (surface)

• Try breathing in deeply and coming out of the stretch slightly then breathing out slowly and dropping deeper into stretch

• Explore the stretch position with subtle movements and breathing for 60 seconds +

Exercise 3

Shoulder Dislocates (Stick or Band)

• Begin in high kneeling or standing - Holding a stick or band keep arms straight and core tight, slowly bring arms straight overhead and around down towards lower back. Allow shoulder blades to gently shrug then rotate and slide down as you circle arms overhead

• Return to start point slowly ensuring not to over-arch through lower back

• Repeat for 10-15 repetitions

Exercise 4

‘L’ Position Prone Shoulder Stretch

• Begin lying on your front. Gently reach with shoulder to be stretched under and across your body at shoulder height with palm facing up. Allow other arm to stretch straight overhead forming an ‘L’ shape with your arms

• Gently rotate into the stretch as if trying to square up shoulder blades increasing the pull/stretch felt in back of the shoulder reaching across body. Hold and release this motion for several repetitions

• Work in this position for 60 seconds + on each arm

Exercise 5

1/2 Crucifix Chest Stretch

• Start face down with side to be stretched arm extended fully out at shoulder height palm down. Opposite arm is bent at 90 degrees at elbow hand at shoulder height ready to push into stretch

• Gently push with bent arm while rolling weight of legs over to create a strong opening stretch of the chest of the straight arm

• Gently push in and out of the stretch holding for a few seconds then releasing and repeat

• Explore this stretch for 60 seconds + on each arm

Thanks for taking the time to read this guide, we hope you find it useful. Please share with anyone else who might benefit and if you have any questions comment and let us know. Don’t forget to download your free mobility cheatsheet. Good luck and enjoy your improved shoulder health.