u/Busy_Bend4615

Spent way too long trying to stretch my way to better overhead mobility before realizing the problem was that my brain didn't trust my shoulder through the full range.

Eventually, I saw something about neural protective tension (guarding).

If a stabilizer like the subscap is weak, your CNS restricts ROM because it doesn't trust the joint to stay centered. You feel tight, but it's a stability problem dressed up as a mobility problem.

Once I shifted from stretching to actually strengthening the cuff in end-range positions, ROM opened up in weeks. Mobility work alone never got me there. I still like mobility work but i think focusing on strengthening my rotator cuff has helped me the most.

Anyone else run into this with shoulders or hips?