Submitted by Comstock Physical Therapy
It’s spring time! It’s time to get out there and play catch with you kids, or spring clean the house (which may include washing some windows). What happens if you have shoulder pain? Will you make it worse?
If you have a desk job, and sit with your arms unsupported , gravity might be pulling and straining on your shoulders and shoulder blades. The ribs and flank muscles can shorten up and pull down on your shoulder blades. If you have a heavy lifting job your larger chest muscles can become short and pull your ribs down as well.
What can you do to help relieve shoulder pain? Here are a few stretches that help the tight muscles:
Latissimus stretch: Stand right in front of a wall, hands on the wall, on either side of your head. Slide your right arm up over your left shoulder and then gently lean to the right. You will feel a stretch along the right flank, shoulder blade and upper arm. Repeat on the other side.
Pectoralis stretch: Stand at a square angle to the wall, with your finger tips on the wall and palm facing forward. Your arm should be in line with your shoulder and elbow extended. Just standing that way should give you a stretch along your upper arm and chest.
