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OVERHEAD SHOULDER STRETCH

Stretch the shoulder by bringing hand over head and pulling with opposite hand.

Focus Upper Body
Pool Depth Partially Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment None

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with neutral posture.
  2. Lift one arm up, bending the elbow to bring your hand over the opposite shoulder.
  3. Use your other hand and gently pull on the elbow to feel the stretch in your shoulder.
  4. Hold for 20-30 seconds, feeling the stretch.
  5. Repeat with the other arm.
  6. Complete prescribed repetitions bilaterally.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Pull gently from the elbow. Keep upper arm elevated. Maintain steady breathing.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if shoulder pain. Do not force the stretch.

Additional Safety Notes: Use gentle pulling force only. Stop if experiencing pain. Do not overextend.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase hold time. Apply slightly more pull pressure.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease pull intensity. Shorter hold times.

Benefits

Improved shoulder mobility, reduced shoulder tension, increased overhead range of motion.

Muscles Worked

  • shoulders
  • triceps

Equipment Needed

No equipment required - just you and the water!

When to Use

  • Warm-up
  • Cool-down

Exercise Tags

stretching shoulder arms flexibility Upper Body mobility overhead

Attribution

Source TypeBook
Original AuthorOhio State University Wexner Medical Center
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationAquatic Exercises
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2026-01-18
Last Modified2026-01-18

External Source

TypeBook
URLhttps://healthsystem.osumc.edu/pteduc/docs/AquaticExerBk.pdf
Additional InfoOhio State Aquatic Exercise Guide - Upper Body Stretches section