How to Relieve Shoulder Pain When Reaching

Do you struggle to reach overhead or behind you without shoulder pain?

If so, you’re not alone.

Shoulder discomfort like this often stems from weak muscles in the upper back between the shoulder blades.

Keep reading to learn a simple exercise you can do at home to build strength, improve posture, and relieve shoulder pain when reaching.

Increase Shoulder Mobility

The key to overcoming shoulder pain when reaching lies in building stability and strength in the muscles surrounding the shoulder blades.

When we experience pain with reaching, we tend to have rounded shoulders. This rounding stretches the muscles between the blades, causing weakness.

A standard row exercise is a fundamental movement that engages the muscles between the shoulder blades, promoting stability and proper alignment.

Here’s how to perform a row:

• Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Hold your arms out in front of you with your palms down.
• Hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
• Pull your arms in towards your body, flipping your palms up and making a fist. Lead with your elbows and squeeze your shoulder blades together.
• Slowly return your arms to their starting position.
• Aim to complete two to three sets of 10-15 repetitions.

You can complete a row using an exercise band if you’d like more of a challenge.

Secure the band to a stable anchor point, such as a door handle or a sturdy piece of furniture. Pull the band toward your body, leading with your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together, the same as you did with just your arms.

Incorporating the row into your routine can help alleviate shoulder pain, improve mobility, and prevent future discomfort.

For even more ways to improve your shoulder health, watch the replay of our 2024 YMCA Wellness Series Class, “Exercising with Shoulder Pain.” This Physical and Occupational Therapist-led class will help you build upper back and shoulder strength, relieve shoulder pain, and get you back to doing your favorite activities!

Want a more personalized approach to relieving your shoulder pain?

Our team of Physical and Occupational Therapists can help, with tailored exercises to build strength, improve mobility, and relieve your pain — for good.

No referral is need to start, treatment is covered by insurance, and with flexible in-clinic and virtual appointments available, you can find a time that fits your schedule.

Click below to get started: