Shoulder Impingement Stretch

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Shoulder Impingement Stretch

Wall climbing exercises can often aggravate impingement problems because the humerus is internally rotated during the exercise. This causes the greater tubercle of the humerus to press into the acromion process. It is better to have the humerus externally rotated when abducting the arm.

I found a simple stretch that helps to improve the range of motion at the glenohumeral joint (shoulder) without aggravating any impingement problems. To do the stretch, you need a handle and a stretching strap.

With frozen shoulders, adhesions often form in the inferior part of the joint capsule. Pulling the humeral head down stretches this part of the joint capsule and can help improve the range of motion.

Cautions:

Go slow! All stretches should be pain-free.

Do not swing on the shoulder strap, as this creates momentum.