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Flexibility
Flexibility

Stretch: Posterior Shoulder (Behind Back)

Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
stretchshoulderposterior-deltoidbehind-backstatic

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In one line

With one arm flexed behind the back, grasp the elbow from behind with the opposite hand and pull it across the mid-line of the back.

Detail

Target area: Posterior shoulder. (Diagram 7)

Steps:

  1. Sit or stand upright with one arm flexed behind your back.
  2. Grasp the elbow from behind with the opposite hand.
  3. Exhale, and pull your elbow across the mid-line of your back.
  4. Hold the stretch and relax. NOTE: Grasp the wrist if unable to reach the elbow.

Key facts

  • Position: sitting or standing upright, one arm flexed behind the back.
  • Action: grasp the elbow from behind with the opposite hand; pull it across the mid-line of the back.
  • NOTE: grasp the wrist if unable to reach the elbow.
  • Static stretch: hold and relax.

Connections

  • static-stretching — technique used.
  • posterior-deltoid — posterior shoulder muscle stretched.
  • stretch-posterior-shoulder-cross, stretch-anterior-shoulder — companion shoulder stretches.
SourceReference manual
p.616
Pages: 616.
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Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

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Atlas Connections

Posterior DeltoidClosely related
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Static Stretching
Stretching to the farthest point and holding the position — the safest technique, requiring the least energy and giving time to reset the stretch reflex, change length, and relax the muscle via the GTOs.
Stretch: Anterior ShoulderClosely related
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Stretch: Posterior Shoulder (Cross-Body)Closely related
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