Shoulder Mobility Series Week 1: Unlocking Overhead Mobility

Shoulder Mobility Starts with Physiotherapy

When it comes to how your body moves, physiotherapists don’t just treat pain, they optimise function. And one of the most overlooked areas in both recovery and performance? Shoulder mobility.

Whether you’re dealing with stiffness, an old injury, or simply trying to improve how you move at work or in the gym, a physiotherapy-led approach can help. At Technique, we assess movement patterns, identify restrictions, and build targeted plans to help you move better, safely and sustainably.

Why Shoulder Mobility Matters

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but that also makes it one of the most vulnerable. Limited mobility here doesn't just affect the joint itself; it impacts posture, strength, and function throughout the upper body.

Whether you're an athlete, a desk worker, or someone who just wants to stay pain-free, overhead mobility plays a role in:

  • Strength training performance (presses, snatches, pull-ups, carries)

  • Posture and spinal alignment (especially with prolonged sitting or standing)

  • Daily life tasks (like dressing, carrying kids, or loading shelves)

  • Breathing efficiency (yes, tight shoulders can restrict rib expansion)

When overhead mobility is lacking, the body compensates by recruiting the neck, lower back, or elbows. That’s when issues like impingement, instability, or chronic tension can creep in.

Benchmarking Shoulder Mobility

At Technique, we use the Benchmark Performance System to evaluate your overhead mobility and function. It’s not about comparing you to others, it’s about building clarity for your body.

We assess and track key indicators like:

  • Thoracic spine and shoulder range of motion

  • Scapular control

  • Strength symmetry and joint stability

  • Functional overhead movements (like reaching, pressing, or hanging)

From there, we design a personalised plan that improves control, strength, and mobility over time. with measurable results.

Week 1 Focus: Overhead Unlock - Foam Roller Wall Slide

Overhead movements, like pressing, pulling, and even reaching, are often the first to feel restricted when shoulder mobility is limited. This week’s featured mobility drill targets both shoulder flexion and thoracic extension, giving you a simple and effective way to begin restoring that range.

Try it daily or before workouts to prep your shoulders and improve movement control.

What’s Next?

Each week in this series, we’ll explore a new theme around shoulder mobility, covering everything from desk posture to overhead lifting prep, plus one focused exercise you can add to your routine right away.

Stay tuned for Week 2: The Desk Worker Reset

Available at our Bank, Vauxhall, and Liverpool St. clinics
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Let’s build strong, mobile shoulders, starting now.

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Physio + Strength: Building Resilient Bodies. Not Just Fixing Injuries