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Slide show

Slide show: A guide to 10 basic stretches

By Mayo Clinic staff
 

Photo of shoulder stretch

Shoulder stretch

If the back of your shoulder is tight, you may be more likely to develop rotator cuff problems — especially if you golf or participate in overhead racket or throwing sports, such as tennis or baseball. To keep your shoulders flexible:

  • Bring your left arm across your body and hold it with your right arm, either above or below the elbow.
  • Hold for about 30 seconds.
  • Switch arms and repeat.

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References
  1. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 4, 2011.
  2. Montico MP, et al. Injury prevention. In: McKeag DB, et al. ACSM's Primary Care Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007:133.
  3. Woods K, et al. Warm-up and stretching in the prevention of muscular injury. Sports Medicine. 2007;37:1089.
  4. Beedle BB, et al. No difference in pre- and postexercise stretching on flexibility. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2007;21:780.
SM00043 Feb. 23, 2011

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