Been doing a lot of upper body strength stuff lately (inc various weights). My back between my shoulder blades is really aching. Its to the point where I can't sit in my desk chair in my room anymore and end up sitting on the bed with my back against the wall. Even then I have to keep lying down because it aches so much. Any stretches I can do? I don't really know of many for back/shoulders apart from the standard arm across the body or arm behind you head.

Here is some that were given to my husband for his back and shoulder:

here is another:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRKeTj2dr6E

Hang from a pull-up bar with a double overhand grip and just hang. Slightly shrug your shoulders for a 3 count as you inhale and hold, then exhale and relax to deepen the stretch. Hang for a few min and you'll see that area loosen up pretty well. Use a slightly wider than shoulder width grip.

Thanks guys. The one in the first video worked well. I'd be interested in any others anyone has too.

Hang from a pull-up bar with a double overhand grip and just hang. Slightly shrug your shoulders for a 3 count as you inhale and hold, then exhale and relax to deepen the stretch. Hang for a few min and you'll see that area loosen up pretty well. Use a slightly wider than shoulder width grip.

That sounds like it would be a good one Kuma, but I don't really have that much upper body strength to hang unassisted for any length of time. Plus I don't have access to a bar.

In that case, these might be more your style and are pretty good to boot. Might not work quite as well as the one I just posted, but it may help.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I was like DWx, and didn't know any except the two she mentioned in her opening post. Good stuff. My upper body is alway so stiff, and I can really tell when we do anything in Hapkido, Aikido, or our DT stuff. Pins are really effective on me...

Here are a few more;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzNJP_SgHRc

this is one I do for my upper back but be careful;