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SHOULDER STRETCH - ELBOW REACH BEHIND HEAD

Stretch the shoulder and triceps muscles through overhead arm positioning.

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 and spine neutral.
  2. Bend your elbows and lift them behind your head.
  3. Hold one elbow with the opposite hand, and pull the elbow back gently to feel the stretch in your arm and shoulder.
  4. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, feeling the stretch in the shoulder and triceps.
  5. Release and switch hand positions to stretch the other shoulder. Complete prescribed repetitions bilaterally.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Move slowly and gently. Feel the stretch in the shoulder and back of the arm. Keep movement controlled.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute shoulder or arm injury. Do not force beyond comfortable range. Modify if experiencing shoulder pain.

Additional Safety Notes: Never force the stretch. Stop if you experience pain. Keep movements smooth.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase hold time to 45 seconds. Increase pulling intensity gradually.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Reduce hold time to 10 seconds. Decrease pulling 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