If you experience shoulder pain, tension or tightness, you’re not alone. In fact, these shoulder symptoms affect around a quarter of all adults. The good news is you may be able to reduce these uncomfortable symptoms with just a few exercises every day. 

Are you wondering what physical therapy exercises are good for shoulder pain? Discover four exercises you can perform to help get relief from shoulder pain right now. 

Four physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain

The two broad categories of physical therapy exercises are mobility and strength. Mobility exercises focus on improving your range of motion. Strength exercises are meant to strengthen your muscles to reduce the tension felt on your joints. Here are two of each exercise that you can try right now.

Mobility exercises

1. Arm stretch across the chest — Stand straight up with your legs hip width apart. Bring your right arm straight across your chest so that it’s pointing left and horizontal with the ground. Use your left arm to support it and hold for 10 seconds. Switch sides. Repeat this stretch for at least five times per arm.

2. Arm circles — Stand straight up with your legs hip width apart. Raise both of your arms straight out. Rotate them so that you’re making little circles for at least 20 seconds; then switch directions. 

Strength exercises

1. Lateral raises — Start with low-weight dumbbells for this practice. Stand with your legs hip width apart. With a dumbbell in each hand, raise your arms straight out. Your ending position should have your arms horizontal with the ground. Slowly bring your arms back to your sides. This exercise should be performed slowly with control. Pay attention to your posture and engage your core.

2. Downward Dog — If working with dumbbells seems like a big step for you, that’s OK! Try performing a Downward Dog each day to start improving your shoulder strength. This yoga pose will have you in an upside-down V shape, with your hands and your feet on the ground and your hips in the air. Try straightening your legs as much as possible.

Continuum Wellness is ready to help your shoulder pain today

If you are interested in pursuing physical therapy to relieve your shoulder pain, Continuum Wellness can help. Our specialists are experts in the proper exercises you need to perform to relieve your pain. Whether you experience shoulder pain from an injury like falling, or due to a chronic condition, we are ready to treat you. We are prepared to build you a personalized treatment plan including the most effective physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain.

Contact our team today for more information about physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain or to schedule an initial appointment.