Chest and Shoulder Stretch

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The chest and shoulder stretch
  • Sitting or standing tall, slowly tuck your chin as you glide your head backward over your body (dorsal glide).
  • Raise both arms so that your hands are next to your ears.
  • Take a deep breath, and as you breathe out, lower your elbows down and behind your back. You will feel your shoulder blades slide down and together, and at the same time you will feel a stretch across your chest and the front of your shoulders.
  • Hold for about 6 seconds, then relax for up to 10 seconds.
  • Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Current as of: June 6, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Robert B. Keller MD - Orthopedics




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