How Do You Stretch Your Lateral Shoulders?

You can stretch your lateral (side) shoulders (side deltoids) by performing cross-body arm stretches and overhead arm stretches. The goal is to feel a gentle pull in the side of your shoulder.

Here are a couple of methods, based on the video provided:

• Cross-Body Arm Stretch:

  1. Extend one arm across your body.
  2. Use your other arm to gently pull the extended arm closer to your chest.
  3. You should feel a stretch in the side of your shoulder (the lateral deltoid).
  4. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds.
  5. Repeat on the other side.
  6. As shown in the video, you can loosen up the arm before and after the stretch by gently moving the shoulder forward and backward.

• Overhead Arm Stretch: While the video doesn't explicitly detail an overhead stretch, it can be inferred that moving the arm in various ways can help loosen the shoulder, which can be achieved with overhead stretches. Here’s an example not in the video that is helpful:

  1. Reach one arm overhead and bend it at the elbow, reaching towards the middle of your back.
  2. Use your other hand to gently pull the elbow further down.
  3. You should feel a stretch in the side and rear of your shoulder.
  4. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds.
  5. Repeat on the other side.

Important Considerations:

• Gentle Pull: Avoid forcing the stretch. You should feel a gentle pull, not pain.
• Breathing: Breathe deeply and evenly throughout the stretch.
• Consistency: Stretching regularly will improve flexibility and range of motion.