Ruben Luijkx, Master of Science and co-owner of Fysio Fitaal, specialises in sports-related complaints, ultrasound diagnostics and manual therapy. Writing on physiofitaal.nl, he introduces you to the expertise and professionalism of Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg.
Band pull dynaband
The band pull with dynaband (often performed as band pull-apart) is an exercise in which you pull an elastic band apart in front of the body with arms extended. The movement takes place in the horizontal plane and focuses on pulling the shoulder blades backwards.
The exercise is simple but very effective for activating the upper back and improving scapular control. The low entry load makes this exercise suitable as activation, prevention and within rehabilitation.
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Purpose of the exercise
Aims to strengthen the posterior shoulder head, rhomboidei and middle trapezius. Improves scapular stability and contributes to improved posture. Supports shoulder balance in athletes with heavy pushing or overhead loads.
Supplies
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Dynaband/elastic
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Flat surface
Starting position
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Stand upright with feet hip-width apart
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Hold the elastic band with both hands
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Arms extended in front of the body at shoulder height
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Hands slightly narrower than shoulder width
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Core slightly tightened
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Shoulders low and stable
Implementation
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Pull the elastic apart in a controlled manner
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Move arms sideways
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Pull the shoulder blades together
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Hold slight tension in final position
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Let the rubber band return in a controlled manner
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Maintain constant tension during movement
Points of interest
✓ Keep arms at shoulder height
✓ Shoulders low and stable
✓ Pull from the upper back, not the lower back
✓ Move in a controlled manner without momentum
✓ Breathe calmly and controlled
✗ Shoulders raised towards ears
✗ Hollowing the lower back
✗ Using elastic too heavy
✗ Elbows bent strongly during the pull
✗ Ignoring pain in shoulder or neck
When this exercise?
The band pull with dynaband is used to improve scapular stability and shoulder balance. The exercise is very suitable as an activation exercise within warm-up, but also within shoulder rehabilitation programmes where controlled upper back activation is desired.
In addition, this exercise is used preventively for athletes who perform a lot of pushing or overhead movements. Due to the well-dosed resistance, the exercise is suitable in different phases of training and recovery. Application, loading and progression should always take place in consultation with a physiotherapist or other qualified professional, so that the exercise is safe and tailored to individual load capacity, complaints and recovery status.
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Related complaints

Shoulder pain
Shoulder problems are common. Sometimes shoulder problems are also a recurrent injury.

Subacrominial pain syndrome (SAPS)
Complaints occur when lifting or turning the arm inward/outward and the...

