Our arms have the widest range of motion of any joint.
The most flexible joint of the body allows us to move in a wide range of motion, from lifting to swinging and throwing… Yes, it's the shoulder! It's also the area that quickly becomes stiff and painful due to over- and under-use.
The shoulder joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, with three bones, almost a dozen muscles, and many tendons and ligaments supporting it. Four rotator cuff muscles protect and support the ball and socket structure and help to move the arms. Larger muscles — the rhomboids, trapezius and deltoids — help to move the shoulders and arms.
Focus: The Rhomboids
This week we'll focus on loosening up and strengthening the rhomboids — the muscles that allow you to lift and lower the shoulders. If you're prone to staying hunched over a desk and getting up feeling stiff, join us this week to stretch out your shoulders.
In our practice we'll work through a carefully sequenced set of poses designed to:
- Release tension in the upper back and between the shoulder blades
- Strengthen the rotator cuff with slow, deliberate movements
- Improve your overall posture and spinal alignment
- Bring greater ease to everyday arm movements
Remember: when it comes to shoulders, the key is consistency over intensity. A gentle, regular practice of opening and strengthening will serve you far better than occasional intense stretching.