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SHOULDER STRETCH - TOWEL ASSISTED

Stretch the shoulder through towel-assisted passive range of motion 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. Hold a towel behind your back with one hand over your head and the other near the middle of your back.
  3. Relax the shoulder of the lower hand.
  4. Pull the towel upward and feel the stretch in the shoulder of the lower hand holding the towel.
  5. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch hand positions on the towel and repeat on the opposite side.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Pull gently on the towel. Feel the stretch in the shoulder. Use the towel as assistance, not force.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute shoulder 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 gentle.

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