During the course of a golf season, you will swing your clubs thousands of times. The motion of the swing can put stress on several body parts, including the rotator cuffs in your shoulders. Your rotator cuff is a collection of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder joint together and help the shoulder move. It is important to keep your shoulders flexible to prevent injury and maintain your swing.
Bent Arm Across Body Stretch
Sit in a chair or stand upright, and lay your left arm across your body. Bend the left elbow to about 90 degrees, then pull your elbow in toward your body with your right hand. Stop when you feel a stretch in the back of your shoulder, then hold for a few seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Club Out Front Stretch
To perform this stretch, hold a golf club with both hands in front of your body, so it is parallel to the ground. Place your left palm facing up on the bottom of the club, and your right facing down on the top of the club. Rotate your arms so your left arm is over your right, then turn your upper body to the right until you feel a stretch in your shoulder, says GolfMedic.net. Reverse your hands and perform the stretch on the other side.
Shoulder Blade Stretch
For a good stretch along the border of your shoulder blades, sit comfortably or stand and reach across your chest with both hands to try and grab onto your shoulder blades, advises Brown University. Drop your chin to your chest, inhale slowly and hold the stretch for a count of 15.
Broomstick Shoulder Stretch
The broomstick stretch can also be used with a golf club or hockey stick if a broom is not available. Hold the broomstick with a palms-down, wide grip out in front of your stomach. Keep your arms straight and raise the broomstick up and over your head. Keep it moving backward until you feel a stretch in your shoulders and chest, says the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds before returning to the start.
