Shoulders & Upper back
Level 1
Level 1 - Day 1
The exercises in each group are meant to be super sets. Complete 1 set of each exercise before moving on to the 2nd set. Once you’ve completed both sets of each exercise, move on to the next group.
Keep track of your progress and stay consistent with your mobility sessions.
Group 1
Prone IYT Press
2 sets, 5 reps each
Lie face down with legs extended, feet resting on the ground, and chest slightly lifted in a small back extension. Start with elbows bent, thumbs near the shoulders, and shoulder blades gently drawn together. From here, press arms forward into an “I,” return to start, then press diagonally into a “Y,” and finally out to the sides into a “T,” completing one rep. Keep the chest lifted, neck neutral, and shoulder blades controlled without using momentum or arching the low back.
Prone IYT Raises
2 sets, 5 reps each
Begin lying face down with arms extended overhead in an “I” position. Lift arms and chest off the ground, hold briefly, then lower. Repeat in a “Y” at 45 degrees, and finally a “T” directly out to the sides, completing one rep. Keep the motion slow and controlled, engaging the upper back and shoulder blades without straining the lower back or neck.
Group 2
Foam Roller Thoracic Ext
2 sets, 10 reps
Lie on your back with a foam roller across the upper back, knees bent, and hips grounded. Support your head with your hands, then inhale and extend your chest over the roller, focusing on bending through the thoracic spine while avoiding lumbar extension. Hold briefly, then return to neutral and repeat, adjusting the roller slightly up or down to target different segments.
Straight Arm Push Ups
2 sets, 15 reps
In a high plank with arms straight, retract the shoulder blades together, then protract by pressing the floor away and spreading them apart. Hold each end range for two to three seconds while keeping elbows locked, core engaged, and neck relaxed. Modify from quadruped if needed, and focus on sliding the shoulder blades along the rib cage without shrugging.
Group 3
Standing IR /ER Rotations
2 sets, 10 reps each
Stand tall with arms abducted to shoulder height and elbows bent at 90 degrees. One arm starts in external rotation (forearm up, palm forward) and the other in internal rotation (forearm down, palm back). Rotate both shoulders simultaneously to switch positions, alternating back and forth with elbows level. Move slowly with control, focusing on rotator cuff activation without arching the back or hiking the traps.
Standing Banded Shoulder 90 Degree ER
2 sets, 12 reps each
With the arm abducted to 90 degrees and elbow bent to 90 degrees, hold a band anchored in front to provide resistance into internal rotation. From this position, rotate the forearm backward into external rotation, keeping the elbow level with the shoulder. Control the return, avoid shrugging, and focus on isolating the rotation at the shoulder joint.
Standing Banded Shoulder 90 Degree IR
2 sets, 12 reps each
Set up the same way but with the band anchored behind you to provide resistance into external rotation. From here, rotate the forearm forward into internal rotation, keeping the elbow aligned with the shoulder. Move slowly, maintain core engagement, and focus on isolating the internal rotators without compensating through the wrist or spine.
Group 4
Standing Neck/Thoracic Ext/Flex
2 sets, 10 reps
Stand with feet hip-width and fingers interlaced behind the head. With elbows wide, gently guide the chin and upper spine into flexion, pausing briefly, then extend back by opening the elbows and lifting the chest. Keep the motion controlled like a wave through the neck and upper back, avoiding lower back or hip movement, and breathe steadily throughout.
Blackburns
2 sets, 10 reps
Lie face down with arms resting behind you, palms up, and chest slightly lifted. Sweep the arms out and up overhead in a slow, controlled motion like a snow angel, rotating palms inward at the top. Reverse the motion to return to start, keeping the chest lifted but avoiding lumbar strain. Move slowly to build shoulder endurance and scapular control.
Group 5
Quadruped Thoracic Twist
2 sets, 10 reps each
From quadruped, place one hand behind your head and bring the elbow down toward the opposite knee, then rotate upward, reaching the elbow toward the ceiling. Keep hips stable, move through the thoracic spine, and focus on controlled rotation with a deep squeeze between the shoulder blades at the top.
Standing Banded Shoulder ER
2 sets, 15 reps each
Stand with elbow bent to 90 degrees and tucked to your side, holding a band anchored inward. Rotate the forearm outward into external rotation, pause briefly, then return under control. Keep the torso still, ribs down, and focus on precision for shoulder health and rotator cuff strength.
Standing Banded Shoulder IR
2 sets, 15 reps each
With elbow bent to 90 degrees and tucked to your side, hold a band anchored outward. Rotate the forearm inward across the body into internal rotation, pause, then return slowly. Keep the elbow fixed at your side and isolate the shoulder joint without using momentum or trunk movement.
HOURS
Monday: 8am – 7pm
Tuesday: 10am – 7pm
Wednesday: 10am – 7pm
Thursday: 8am – 7pm
Friday: 10am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
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Posted on Kathryn ServissTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been going to Lisa since 2018. She has been the only massage therapist to really address my body issues. Most of my issues involve stress headaches and neck stiffness/mobility due to my work. You can tell she is very well educated on body anatomy and massage techniques. I never get a cookie cutter service with her like other massage therapists. Her space is delightful and warm. I finally feel like I have my pain under control since I’ve been seeing Lisa.Posted on Michelle ThorntonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just happened to find Hannah and LA Bodywork accidentally and I am SO glad I did!! I knew that I needed more than just a massage for my wacky knee and joints. Hannah heard my concerns and her work has been a wonder to me the past 2 months I have been going regularly. I highly recommend LA Bodywork. An investment that is priceless to how I feel after.Posted on Wilmer CanoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Is always a pleasure to get my massage and very professional, always walk out of there very relax after my massage.Posted on Ray HuntingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been going to Lisa for a number of years and recently started with Hannah. Due to the stress of work and life Lisa is incredibly well studied and try's new treatments to help bring relief. Both Lisa and Hannah have been great and defyingly worth the visit.Posted on Sam ElliottTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a very pleasant time at LA Body Works, great service, not to mention, clean and super friendly. Knew exactly what I needed and how to treat all my pains!Posted on Kevin SarrealTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing service! Had a shoulder injury from lifting and was so glad I found LA bodywork. Lisa was very knowledgeable and after my therapy session she also explained additional ways to speed up recovery and preventative measures to take so I don’t get re-injured in the future. I went to the studio city location and the facility was super clean and everyone there was very polite. Unfortunately I don’t live in the area anymore otherwise I would still be going there to this day. Def recommend checking this place outPosted on Liam O'BrienTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This facility is uniquely tailored to anyone looking for care and treatment after or during competitive athletic training. The facility is clean and profession and I value the considerate and detailed questions asked by all employees. I’m going to help with should and back injuries and I’m only one session experienced an impressive amount of functional mobility.Posted on Audrey FTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been going to Lisa for the past 7 years and also recently started seeing Hannah as well. As an 18x marathoner and youth track and field/cross country coach, bodywork is an essential part of my injury prevention and training routine, but I've learned over the years that you can't entrust this with just anyone. I need someone with knowledge of endurance sports and of female physiology. Lisa is incredibly well studied and in tune with her clients' particular needs and that is reflected in the quality of the treatment. I've had various injuries over the years and I've been able to get back up again - much in part due to Lisa and Hannah. They are absolutely incredible at what they do!Posted on Cameron BravermanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Bodywork that truly connects with the subject. Really appreciated both practitioners' attention to detail. They also provided movements for me to do after our sessions to make sure that I'm taking care of my body long-term. Can't go wrong here.Posted on Severina HernandezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking to really loosen up you must set up an appointment with LisaMarie. I didn’t realize how tight my body was until the session was over. Oh boy was it tense but afterwards I felt so much relief. The atmosphere was perfect, she made me feel comfortable, and my body feels incredibly rejuvenated. I will definitely be back!Load more


