The Stiff Shoulder Solution

How Older Adults and Masters Athletes fix their shoulders and improve performance

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Our shoulders take a licking and keep on ticking…until they don’t. We want to give you an easy shoulder solution by way of some exercises to address some of the most common shoulder issues. Oftentimes the issues start with some shoulder stiffness, maybe some aches and pains. However, the underlying issue is present long before symptoms appear. And that is immobile shoulder blades, or scapulas. In the majority of our senior fitness or masters athlete clients we see this stiff shoulder syndrome where the scapulas don’t move as they should.

According to Dr. Mike Reeder (a shoulder orthopedic doctor), most shoulder issues can be improved through scapular training (movement and mobility). I got these 3 exercises from him and want to share them with you. The stiff shoulder solution exercises are: the bent-over T, Y, and Scarecrow. One fringe benefit from these series that I love, is that it trains you to brace your core and back in this bent-over or deadlift position.

The Stiff Shoulder Solution Exercises

Bent-Over T’s

Bent-over Y

Scarecrows

In case you didn’t catch all the phases of the exercises, below are the 3 distinct positions: the starting position, the shoulders moving, and the arms moving into position.

As you focus on moving the scapulas separate from the arms, it helps the scapula move more freely and can therefore help them move better and without pain. As we’ve said before, that motion is lotion. This motion, done right acts as the stiff shoulder solution, not just stretching your shoulders.

If you're ready to take action, explore our longevity training programs at Leverage Fitness Solutions in Cottonwood Heights, UT — serving the greater Salt Lake area for over 19 years.

Learn more about how to prevent shoulder surgery with proper movement in our free 30 minute webinar.