PURPOSE
The Shoulder exercise mobilizes the joints and muscles around the shoulder girdle.
Soldiers can use it to check for pain and restricted flexibility and to self-treat for those issues.
Soldiers perform the exercise on both shoulders to check and compare for pain or stiffness.
Figure 17-12 illustrates the exercise as it would be performed with a partner to assist (if a partner is not available, the Soldier may use any suitable anchor point such as a wall, suspension trainer, or squat rack).
STARTING POSITION
The starting position for the Shoulder exercise is the Squat position with arms extended rearward and the hands held by the partner.
MOVEMENT
● From the starting position, the partner moves the arms up as far as possible to create a 90-degree angle between the arms and the upper back.
● The Soldier squats further until a pain-free end-range is reached.
● Return to the starting position before repeating the movement 5 times.
● Perform more repetitions if the movement improves the range of motion in the shoulder.
● If repeated shoulder extension does not work, try repeated movements into the parade rest position, pulling the wrist with the opposite hand (see figure 17-13).
● If there is any pain, seek help from performance readiness experts in the unit.
