Week 2: Chest Stretch (Doorway Stretch)
By Trent Brooke, DPT
AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist
Type of stretch: Static
Standing in a doorway, place your forearms along the frame with your hands facing up. Elbows should be at shoulder level with a 90 degree bend. Lunge one leg through the doorway and lean your weight forward until you feel a stretch along the front of your chest and into the front of your shoulders. Avoid shrugging the shoulders or arching your back. Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeat with the opposite leg forward. This can also be performed in the corner of a room.
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Why stretch the chest?
Stretching the chest can help improve range of motion and improve posture. People that sit in desks all day for their jobs, do a lot of heavy lifting, or drive for long periods of time can have a hunched posture. Stretching the chest can improve this. This can help decrease and prevent neck/upper back pain as well as shoulder injuries.
