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TOWEL SHOULDER STRETCH

Stretch the shoulder by pulling a towel overhead with opposite hand for isolated shoulder release.

Focus Upper Body
Pool Depth Partially Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment Yes

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with neutral posture.
  2. Hold a towel behind your back with one hand over your head and the other holding the towel near the middle of your back.
  3. Relax the shoulder of the lower hand.
  4. Gently pull the towel above your head, feeling the stretch in the shoulder of the lower hand.
  5. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
  6. Switch hand positions on the towel and repeat on the opposite side.
  7. Complete prescribed repetitions bilaterally.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Pull smoothly using the upper hand. Keep towel taut. Maintain controlled movement.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if shoulder pain or injury. Do not force the stretch. Requires towel or similar device.

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

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase hold time. Apply more pulling pressure.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease pulling force. Shorter hold times. Use wider towel grip.

Benefits

Improved shoulder flexibility, reduced shoulder tension, increased overhead mobility.

Muscles Worked

  • shoulders
  • triceps
  • lats

Equipment Needed

  • Towel

When to Use

  • Warm-up
  • Cool-down

Exercise Tags

stretching shoulder towel flexibility Upper Body mobility equipment

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