Aloha my friends!
Most people aren’t aware that many shoulder injuries are caused — or at least partly caused — as a result of having lats (latissimus dorsi) that are too tight!
This is particularly common among weightlifters, since most work their lats frequently, yet rarely if ever stretch them.
Tight lats limit your overhead range of motion, and chronically depress and internally rotate the humerus, ALL of which result in rotator cuff damage, and can even cause your shoulder to dislocate when under stress.
Tight lats are also a common untreated cause of lower back pain due to its many origination points in that region (see anatomy graphic below):
So it’s ESSENTIAL to consistently stretch your lats!
Here’s the best way to do so:
Start by holding onto something with your arm directly overhead (relative to your body). A high-set cable works great for this. Then drop your upper body down, so that your arm is pulled upwards. Then lean in towards that same side as far as you can, and hold it for ~30 seconds. You should feel a deep stretch the full length of your lats!
Do this at least 2-3x per week, mixing in some ballistic stretching as well by “bouncing” in and out of a deep stretch (instead of just holding it statically), which is better at strengthening the tendons of the lats.
Application: If you want healthy shoulders & no back pain, consistently stretch your lats!!
Relevant Previous FTF Tips (for All-Access Members):
1) Week 53 | Static VS Ballistic Stretching (Which Should You Do??)
2) Week 44 | How to Build the “Inner” & “Outer” Lats
Relevant Research Article(s):
1) Anatomy, Back, Latissimus Dorsi
2) Effect of static and ballistic stretching on the muscle-tendon tissue properties
Relevant Dr. Gains YouTube Video(s):
1) 5 Key Lat Training Secrets! EVERYTHING You DIDN’T KNOW About Working the Latissimus Dorsi [5MM Lats]
Relevant Dr. Gains Program(s):
Dr. Gains 
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