YWTL for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is one of the most common problems I see in my office.

In my experience, if arthritis, ligament/tendon damage, and a torn rotator cuff is ruled out, shoulder pain is always a result of a misaligned C1, C2, and/or 1st rib.

But can anything be done about it before, and until, you see a chiropractor?

Actually, yes.

A series of stretches called YWTLs help to mobilize the shoulder and decrease pain until you do you get in to see a chiropractor.

They go a little something like this:

Y – Raise your arms up to about 45 degrees with your palms up, but in a straight line with your arms. Keep your fingers extended and together, and point your thumbs straight back. Take 3-5 deep breaths in and out, and with each breath try pointing your thumbs back an additional 10%. Then lower your arms and rest for 10-15 seconds.

W – Raise your arms up from your side to about 45 degrees with your elbows bent 90 degrees so that they mimic the letter “W.” Again, palms up, fingers extended and together, and thumbs pointed straight back. Take 3-5 deep breaths in and out, point your thumbs back 10% more with each breath, and then lower your arms and rest for 10-15 seconds.

T – Extended your arms straight out 90 degrees to either side, palms up, fingers extended and together, and thumbs pointed straight back. Take 3-5 deep breaths in and out, point your thumbs back 10% more with each breath, and then lower your arms and rest for 10-15 seconds.

L – Keep your upper arms as tight to your torso as you can manage, and bend your elbows 90 degrees so that your upward-facing palms extend straight out from your body. Again, fingers extended and together, and thumbs pointed straight back. Take 3-5 deep breaths in and out, point your thumbs 10% farther back with each breath, and then lower your arms. In the beginning, you will have the least mobility with this position, but consistency is the key. The more you do these, the more mobility you will experience in your shoulders, and the better “L” you will be able to make with your arms.

Give these a shot. At the very least, YWTLs will give you a good stretch and a bit of relief. To get even more relief, and then to avoid further shoulder problems, consistent chiropractic care will be needed. If you’re in Maricopa, I can help you with that.

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