How washing your back can improve vitality
Hi Friends,
Loo Movement students know that the practice doesn't end once you leave the studio. We can weave Counter-shapes into everyday movements to improve joint mobility, strength, posture and overall well-being. Integrating Counter-shapes into your daily life will also reduce pain, improve body alignment, and help you avoid future injuries! This recent article from Livestrong.com highlights a perfect example: washing your back in the shower. This seemingly mundane task actually engages four essential shoulder movements—internal and external rotation, abduction, and adduction—helping to maintain upper back mobility, shoulder health, and even reduce neck pain. As a bonus, you'll get some needed spine flexibility!
The Power of a Simple Daily Habit
"Maintaining mobility is more about consistency than it is intensity or duration," says K. Aleisha Fetters, CSCS.
Taking just 30 seconds a day to reach as far back as you comfortably can signals to your body that this ability is worth preserving—and even improving.
Why Shoulder Mobility Matters
According to Theresa Marko, DPT, these movements are critical for everyday tasks such as reaching into your back pocket, wiping yourself after using the bathroom, putting on a bra, and accessing high kitchen cabinets. When we don’t regularly use our full range of motion, our shoulders can become stiff and even painful, limiting independence over time.
A Simple Mobility Check
Try this in your next shower:
Raise one hand over your shoulder and place it on your upper back.
Scrub down as far as you comfortably can.
Drop your elbow, place your hand on your lower back, and work your way up.
Switch arms and repeat!
Of course, use your Loo Movement wisdom about the "Sweet Spot" and find the pain-free way that works best for your body.
Movement for Longevity
This simple mindful movement is a great way to expand your practice outside of the studio and do "mini Loo Movement". You'll be adding more deposits to your body alignment account, and integrating it more seamlessly into your daily life.
Shoulder mobility also affects neck health—tight shoulders can limit spinal extension and lead to stiffness and pain, which we learned about in the Spine Workshop and will cover during the spine focus in the Essential Quartets (May for Friday Quartets and June for Sunday Quartets).
By making back-washing a daily practice, you’re not just maintaining hygiene but also investing in your future mobility, independence, and vitality!
Keep moving and stay well,
Valerie Loo, PT
@loomovement
