[header] How to stretch ligaments [title] Identify the shortened ligament. [step] Shortened or contracted ligaments usually occur due to trauma, faulty posture, or general disuse. When the ligaments of a joint contract, they limit that joint's range of movement. 
[substeps] Ligaments held in shortened positions tend to shorten over time, which could happen if you have habitually bad posture; for instance, if you always slump forward while sitting, the ligaments at the front of the shoulder may shorten. Ligament contraction can also occur when joints are immobilized.