Management

Shoulder Flexion (Flexibility)

Choose a preferred language
  1. Sit in a chair sideways next to a table. Lay your right arm on the table, pointed forward.

  2. Slowly lean forward. Slide your arm forward on the table. Feel the stretch in your right shoulder.

  3. Hold for 5 seconds. Slowly sit back up.

  4. Repeat 5 times.

  5. Switch sides and repeat, if instructed.

  6. Repeat this exercise 3 times a day, or as instructed.


Safety tips

  • Stop right away if you feel any pain. Slight discomfort is normal, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain while you’re doing these exercises or stretches.

  • Remember to breathe. Breathing well may also help you do an exercise or stretch for longer.

  • Start slowly. If you’re new to working out or doing shoulder exercises, don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with just a few exercises and stretches at first, then add more as you build your strength.

  • Check with your health care provider or physical therapist. If you’ve had shoulder surgery, an injury, or a lot of shoulder pain, it’s important to check with your provider or physical therapist before doing shoulder mobility exercises and stretches.

Author: Wheeler, Brooke

Author: Yang, Sue

Online Medical Reviewer: Lalitha Kadali

Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Trina Bellendir PT

Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a Provider

View Our Directory

Find a Location

View Our Practices
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Increase Your Back's Flexibility with This Rotation

Use this lower back rotation to strengthen your back muscles and improve your spine’s flexibility.

Read article
Orthopedics
Fitting a Cane

Here are images showing how to pick a cane that fits you properly.

Read article
Orthopedics
Ankle Inversion (Strength)

Follow the step-by-step instructions for this exercise.

Read article
Orthopedics
Quadriceps Stretch (Flexibility)

Follow these step-by-step instructions for a quadriceps stretch.