Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch
Targets the posterior shoulder and rotator cuff.
Get the roller used in this video
The 321 STRONG massage roller: free Prime shipping, backed by 1000s of 5-star reviews.
About This Video
Desk work holds your arms in a fixed forward position for hours, creating chronic tension in the posterior deltoid and rotator cuff muscles that never gets a chance to dissipate. This tightness restricts shoulder mobility and contributes to the shoulder impingement and mouse-arm discomfort that desk workers develop over time. The cross-body stretch directly targets these overworked posterior shoulder muscles.
How to Perform This Technique
Press your palms forward at shoulder height, then bring one arm across your body.
Use your opposite hand to pull the crossing arm closer to your chest, going as deep as comfortable.
Keep your shoulders away from your ears and sit straight and tall.
Take a deep breath and allow the posterior (back) shoulder muscles to expand and release.
Keep pressing your palm outward while you continue pulling the arm in toward your chest with your opposite hand.
Breathe deeply and hold, relaxing your wrist as long as your arm stays extended.
Reverse the stretch on the other side: bring that arm across at shoulder height, pull it in with the opposite hand, and hold.
When done, return out of each stretch in a reverse motion back to your starting position.
Benefits
Pro Tip: Watch this video in conjunction with our product guide for the best results. Take your time with each technique and listen to your body.