Wall stretches are exercises that improve flexibility, particularly in the shoulder joint. They can also improve posture and flexibility in other areas like the neck, hips, and chest depending on the specific stretch. Different types of wall stretches target different muscle groups.
Types of Wall Stretches and Their Benefits
Several types of stretches utilize a wall for support and leverage. Here are a few examples:
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Shoulder stretches: These are commonly used to increase range of motion in the shoulder joint, often following injury. [Source: Wall stretches are exercises that help make your injured shoulder joint more flexible. 24-Apr-2023]
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Wall angels: This exercise improves posture by lengthening chest, shoulder, and abdominal muscles while strengthening the back. [Source: Wall angels are an excellent exercise for posture because they lengthen the muscles in your chest, shoulders, and abdomen, all while strengthening your back. May 26, 2021] Wall angels are a good example of a stretch that can improve both flexibility and strength. [Source: Wall angels are an exercise that can help improve posture, flexibility, and strength in your shoulders, upper back, and chest. Jul 26, 2024]
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Arm stretches (e.g., "Wall Clock Arm Stretch"): These stretches target the biceps, chest, and side muscles. [Source: In addition to the biceps, this stretch will also get into the chest and side. Mar 1, 2017]
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Stretches utilizing a wall for support: Some stretches use the wall simply as a stable surface to help maintain balance and deepen the stretch, such as stretches for hips and legs. [Source: This easy-to-get-into pose will help stretch out your shoulders, neck, hips, and shins. Hold the pose for approximately 30 seconds. Apr 5, 2024]
Beyond Physical Therapy: Other Meanings of "Wall Stretch"
The term "wall stretch" can also refer to other concepts:
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The Great Wall of China: The term "stretches" here refers to the extensive length of the wall, covering thousands of kilometers. [Source: The Great Wall is the largest man-made project in the world. The complete route is over 20,000 km, stretching from the east seaside to the west desert. ] Many sections were built by different dynasties over time. [Source: Little of the Qin wall remains. Later on, many successive dynasties built and maintained multiple stretches of border walls. ]
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Stretchable wall coverings: In construction and interior design, "stretch walls" may refer to systems using fabric or other flexible materials mounted on a frame. [Source: Using a fabric wall stretch system installed by Alamiva stretch ceiling suppliers, a series of hidden tracks with clips will secure the fabric wall for years. ]
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Biological contexts: The term is used in scientific research to describe the expansion or deformation of a cell wall (e.g., plant cell walls) or other structures. [Source: A close-up look at the growth of plant cell walls, which largely determines the way a plant grows and takes shape, offers a better understanding of how the ... May 1, 2017] Even in the context of medical devices, it might refer to the stretching of a biological structure like a bladder wall. [Source: During the experimental setup, the bladder position will undoubtedly change, and because the bladder is highly non-conformal, the height and ... Jan 24, 2019]
