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SHOULDER AND NECK DIAGONAL STRETCH

Stretch the neck, shoulder, and upper trapezius through combined diagonal movements.

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

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Reach across your body with the right hand and grasp your left arm at the wrist.
  3. Pull the left arm down and across your body as you tilt your head to the right.
  4. Hold for 20-30 seconds, feeling the stretch down the neck and into the shoulder.
  5. Switch arm positions and repeat on the opposite side. Complete prescribed repetitions bilaterally.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Move slowly and deliberately. Feel the stretch on the opposite side of neck and shoulder. Keep movements smooth.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute neck or shoulder injury. Do not force beyond comfortable range.

Additional Safety Notes: Never force the stretch. Stop if you experience pain. Avoid jerky movements.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase hold time to 45 seconds. Increase intensity of diagonal pull.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Reduce hold time to 10 seconds. Decrease pull intensity.

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
Additional InfoOhio State Wexner Medical Center Physical Therapy Education