Exercises for Mobility and Functional Strength

This is a look at a series of helpful exercises for those who have rotator cuff issues. Most mild to moderate cases of bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, and various forms of impingement can be overcome by improving shoulder and spinal mobility using the exercises shown here.

It's always prudent to consult with your own health care providers before trying any program of care. Read more about Most Helpful Movements for Common Shoulder Issues

To build upon the ankle plantar flexion stretch that I shared earlier, here is a short routine of 3 mobility exericses that I enjoy doing to improve ankle mobility:

Ankle Raises While on Balls of Feet:

Ankle raises are excellent for strengthening your calf muscles and Achilles tendon, and for warming up all of the soft tissues that surround your ankle joints. Ankle raises are also helpful for developing balance and proprioception. Read more about A Simple Routine to Improve Balance and Ankle Mobility

This is one of my favourite ways of lengthening the hamstrings. It’s somewhat of a blend between a back kick and a side kick in TaeKwonDo.

Keeping your hamstrings at a healthy length allows for optimal mobility through your lower back, pelvis, and knees. Read more about A Highly Functional Way to Lengthen Your Hamstrings

To improve shoulder and upper back mobility, lie face-up with your head slightly off the end of a bed and let your arms hang freely above your head.

Once you’re comfortable in this position, slowly take your arms through a small arc as though you are making a snow angel - you can do this several times to warm up your shoulder joints. Read more about A Simple Way to Improve Shoulder and Back Mobility