The answer to this depends on your shoulder issue and if a traumatic injury or surgery has been involved. If you're having general pain, not related to an injury or surgery, there aren't any specific directions or stretches to avoid, unless they cause pain. Stretches can definitely be uncomfortable but should not be painful! If you have had a traumatic injury or surgery, it is recommended to consult with your medical doctor and rehab specialist first before attempting stretches on your own. Especially if a surgery was involved, there may be certain directions that you absolutely need to avoid at first in order to allow full healing to occur.