Here are three more shoulder stretches, that when done in addition to the sleeper stretch, will help keep one’s arm nice and loose.

Posterior Deltoid and Infraspinatus Stretch

Pull the arm across the chest to feel a stretch in the back of the shoulder.  This will get the infraspinatus (a rotator cuff muscle) and the posterior deltoid.

This stretch can also be done at different angles across the body to get the muscles in a new direction.

Middle Deltoid Stretch

With the arm at 90°, grab the forearm and pull the arm across the back.  The range of motion won’t be very long, but you will feel a stretch in the middle aspect of your shoulder.

Anterior Deltoid Stretch

Keep your arm straight and pull directly down the middle of the back.

The key to this stretch is keeping good posture – maintain a high chest and keep your shoulders square.

You don’t want your shoulder to sag or rotate backward as you pull.  This would take the muscle out of proper position to  stretch.

Notes

In addition to standing, these three can also be done laying face down on the floor.

The perfect time to do them is right after sleeper stretches, as you can just stand up or roll over onto your stomach and complete your shoulder stretching circuit.