22/10/2026
If your upper back and shoulders are feeling a little stiff, these foam roller exercises are a good place to start!
They help improve thoracic mobility, open the chest and shoulders, and build better awareness of how your shoulder blades and upper back are moving.
Here’s how to work through the variations 👇
1️⃣ Upper Back Extension
Place the roller across your mid-back with your feet and hips grounded. Support your head, then gently extend your upper back over the roller as you inhale. Exhale to lift your chest and return.
2️⃣ Lat Release & Thoracic Rotation
Lie on your side with the roller under just below the armpit. Keep your knees together and bent. Slowly roll forward, rotating around your ribcage, then rotate back to open your chest.
3️⃣ Shoulder Blade Connection
Lie back on the roller with your spine and head supported. Reach your arms towards the ceiling and gently squeeze your shoulder blades into the roller, making your arms feel “shorter”. Release to lengthen them again.
4️⃣ Chest & Shoulder Opener
Lie back on the roller and bring your arms into a cactus position. Let your chest soften towards the floor, then move your forearms towards your hips and back again, rotating from the shoulder joints.
5️⃣ Shoulder Extension
Kneel with your hands on the roller and arms beside your ears. Hinge forward from your hips, then extend your arms next to your ears as far as feels comfortable, keeping the rest of your body still.
6️⃣ Quadruped Thoracic Rotation
Start on all fours with the roller beside you. Place one hand on top and rotate your upper body towards the roller, keeping your hips as still as possible.
Small, controlled exercises can make a big difference to how your upper body feels and works.😌
📌 Save this post and come back to it the next time your shoulders and upper back need a little extra attention.