How a 63-Year-Old Swimmer Rebuilt His Shoulder and Confidence In Weeks

By Published On: May 28, 2026

This client is 63 and has always cared about staying active. He practiced taekwondo for a decade and later took up swimming. Over time, he noticed he wasn’t as flexible as he used to be. Sometimes, especially when reaching overhead, he felt shoulder painFrom Chronic Shoulder Pain to Cricket Pain Free in the morning. He suspected it was how he slept, but he also knew that if he didn’t address it, it could get worse.

He found our online shoulder rehab program and one of the things that drew him to this program was the thoughtful, step-by-step approach. You start simple, target the right areas, and build up. He liked that the work focused on the scapula, shoulder, and neck together, because they all have to work as a team.

Why Did He Chose a Targeted Program?

He said he had tried general gym routines at the YMCA, but they weren’t specific to his shoulder needs. Past experiences also didn’t give him the confidence to go for physical therapy because they felt too routine and not personalized. What stood out here was the clarity and the plan: photos to assess his posture, a focus on five key areas (including the spine, neck, and scapula), and a progression that made sense.

He also valued the support because he could send videos, rewatch demos, and get feedback on form. And he was engaging the right muscles the right way and building a foundation he could keep using.

What the Process Looked Like

He started with easier movements and steadily built up to more challenging ones, like open books. The pec stretch—with his arm behind him and gentle rotation—became a turning point. He felt he could rotate more and noticed a real difference. The behind-the-back belt mobilization helped him see progress, too. He said he could lift his arm almost as high as the other side, which felt like a big win.

Using the app made it simple to log in, follow the plan, and ask questions. Over time, he felt stronger and more confident about swimming without worrying that his shoulder would get “locked in.”

Results

  • He could lift his arm behind his back almost like the other side.
  • He gained more rotation with pec stretching and felt real improvement.
  • He felt stronger and more in control of his shoulder.
  • He left with a clear toolkit and foundation to keep building on.

In His Words

“I noticed that I can actually pull my arm up, you know, almost like the other one. That helped. I’m willing to do what it takes to get back—and I think you guys helped. I have no regrets. It’s a big, important tool in a toolbox for me to stay healthy as I get older.”

A Simple Takeaway

This client didn’t chase quick fixes. He wanted a plan that focused on the right places that were causing him his shoulder discomfort. He started his treatment plan with the easy tasks, and progressed with purpose. As he rightly pointed out, getting immediate feedback also made a huge difference and with time, he found the shoulder pain relief he was looking for.

If you’re noticing shoulder pain when lifting your arm overhead, or you’re not as flexible as you used to be, consider a structured path with clear exercises and thoughtful stretches for shoulder pain. A simple, consistent plan can help you move better and feel more confident—just like this client.

You deserve a pain-free life.

If you feel like you’ve tried everything – massage, acupuncture, traditional physical therapy – and you’re still in pain, it’s time to try something different. Our personalized movement-based rehab bulletproofs your shoulder for good.

About the Author: Dr. Joey Seyforth

Dr. Joey Seyforth, DPT, is a physical therapist who specializes in helping people overcome shoulder pain by blending sports medicine, strength training, and movement science. Through his Targeted Comeback Process, he teaches clients how to restore mobility, build resilience, and achieve long-term shoulder health without relying on injections, surgeries, or cookie-cutter rehab.