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5 easy exercises for shoulder painrelief

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Nov 18, 2025, 10:02 IST
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5 easy exercises to relieve shoulder pain

Whether you are working in the office all day or fulfilling chores around the house, shoulder pain is one thing common among us all. While sleeping at night or stretching in the morning, it creeps in out of nowhere and refuses to leave. But what if there were some quick and simple exercises that could help relieve this mind-numbing pain in a matter of seconds? Find them below!

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What causes shoulder pain?

According to the Harvard Medical School, the shoulder has a wider and more varied range of motion than any other part of the body. It is a ball-and-socket joint that aids in all of the hand movements. The pain in the shoulders can be caused by tendon inflammation, instability, arthritis or fractures, as per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. However, exercising them not only improves their movement but also increases their strength. Here are 5 exercises that can help when you have sudden shoulder pain.

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Towel stretch

Hold a three-foot-long towel behind your back with both hands in a horizontal position. Now, use your good arm to pull the towel towards your lower back while holding the other end with the affected arm. Perform this stretch ten to twenty times a day, as per Harvard Medical School.

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Wall slides

Stand facing the wall with your thumb facing away from the wall and the forearm aligned with it at the right angle. While keeping your shoulder muscles back gently raise both arms upwards and then bring them back downwards. The NHS suggests doing eight repetitions of the exercise twice a day.

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Arm circles

Stand or sit straight with your arms raised horizontally by your sides. Keeping them straight, rotate them clockwise and anti-clockwise, as if drawing a circle in the air. Begin with small circles and gradually increase movement, depending on the capacity of your shoulder and the pain. The NHS recommends doing eight repetitions of this exercise two or three times a day.

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Shoulder flex

Lie on your back with your arms by your sides and your knees bent. Clasp your hands in the front of your body and lift your arms together straight over your head. Now bring them back to the front and repeat the movement. Ensure to keep your moves slow in order to feel the muscles moving and try doing eight reps in three sets, as per the NHS.

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Armpit stretch

Place both your arms on a shelf about chest-level high. Now gently bend your knees while keeping your arms straight and opening up the armpits. Bend lower with your knees, slowly stretching the armpit and then straighten up again. Try stretching more with each knee bend. Do the stretch ten times a day, suggests the Harvard Medical School.

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Why exercise the shoulders?

Shoulders are one of the most used joints of the body. Over time, they can become weak or face small tears with daily movement. Stretching and exercising them helps activate the muscles in the right places and prevents the development of problems such as arthritis. Incorporating regular shoulder mobility exercises also improves posture, reduces the risk of injury during sports or daily activities, and enhances overall upper body strength. Try including these shoulder exercises in your daily workout routines to ensure you have strong, flexible, and healthy shoulders for years to come.

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Note

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.

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