Your shoulders are essential for almost every upper-body movement, from reaching overhead to lifting everyday objects.
As you age, maintaining shoulder mobility, strength, and flexibility becomes crucial in preventing stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.
Since some muscles work across multiple joints, it’s beneficial to involve the areas above and below the shoulder – such as the neck and elbows. Strengthening and stretching surrounding muscles can provide better overall support and function.
Benefits of shoulder exercises
- Improves mobility – Helps maintain and enhance the range of motion in the shoulder joint.
- Reduces stiffness and discomfort – Gentle movement helps alleviate tightness caused by inactivity or postural issues.
- Strengthens shoulder muscles – Supports arm function and makes daily tasks like lifting and reaching easier.
- Enhances posture – Strengthening and stretching the shoulders can improve posture and reduce strain on the neck and upper back.
- Promotes independence – Keeping your shoulders strong and mobile makes activities like dressing, cooking, and carrying objects more manageable.
5 Effective Shoulder Exercises
*** DOWNLOAD A PDF COPY OF THESE 5 EXERCISES HERE ***
Safety tips for shoulder exercises
- Move slowly and gently: Avoid fast, jerky movements that could strain your shoulders.
- Stop if you feel pain: Mild discomfort is okay, but an intense sharp pain means you should stop.
- Maintain good posture: Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid shrugging them up toward your ears.
- Breathe consistently: Inhale and exhale steadily to help with relaxation and control.
- Modify if necessary: Use a chair for support or reduce the range of motion if needed.
Maintaining shoulder strength and mobility is essential for everyday function and overall well-being. By regularly practising these easy, at-home shoulder exercises, you can reduce stiffness, enhance flexibility, and improve your quality of life.Â
For a full-body approach, check out our other articles:
- Five effective elbow exercises Aussie seniors can do at home
- Five effective wrist and hand exercises Aussie seniors can do at home
These exercises are simple, effective, and require no special equipment, making them easy to incorporate into a daily routine. As always, listen to your body and consult a Physio Co physiotherapist if you experience persistent pain or discomfort.
If you have any pain or would like a specialised exercise plan for your shoulder pain, call us on 1300 797 793 or alternatively, email [email protected].
Article written by Ella Le Hanie, TPC physiotherapist
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The Physio Co helps Aussie seniors to move more, with confidence! How can we help you (or your elderly Mum or Dad?) Contact us today on 1300 797 793 and speak with Nancy, Julia and Jess from the TPC Client Care team to discuss your situation. If they’re busy on other calls, leave a message and someone from the team will call you back for a chat!  Alternatively you can email us via [email protected]