Middle of shoulder stretch

If you want to know what your deltoid muscle does, just lift your arm in any direction. Try moving your arm forward or back, overhead, in a circular motion, or just straight up and down. None of these movements is possible without your deltoid doing most of the work. Because your deltoids are so active and used in almost every movement that involves your arms, they’re contracted constantly throughout your day.

This constant tension creates tightness in your shoulders, which is all the more reason to stretch this area daily. The following stretch is specifically for the middle part of your deltoid. This stretch can be done sitting, standing, or lying down. Just make sure to maintain good posture so you feel the full effectiveness of the stretch.
To do this stretch, follow these steps:

• Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and your abdominals lifted.
• Lift your right arm across your chest and hook the left arm under your right arm. If your shoulders are extremely stiff or tight and you find it difficult to hook your arm underneath your other arm, try the stretch lying on your back. Just drape your arm across your body and let gravity do the work. You may find it more comfortable.
• Now, gently lower your right shoulder so it’s even with your left shoulder.
• Inhale and as you exhale use your left arm to gently pull your right arm across your body.
• Hold the stretch for 30 seconds or four to five slow, deep breaths.
• Repeat the stretch with the left arm.

A few do’s and don’ts for this stretch:

• Do breathe as you hold the stretch.
• Do progress through the stretch gradually.
• Do sit up or stand up tall as you hold the stretch.
• Don’t let your shoulder lift or kink your neck.
• Don’t pull too forcefully.