Genie Stretch

The Genie Stretch, also known as theCross-Body Adduction Stretch, is a Stretching technique used to restore length and improve Flexibility in The Shoulder Girdle , in particular of the Posterior Glenohumeral Joint Capsule .

Involved Muscle

• Posterior Deltoid - a position of maximal Horizontal GH Joint - Adduction at 90º GH Joint - Flexion was shown to maximally elongate these fibres (SOURCE-3)

• Infraspinatus

• Teres Minor

Procedure

Starting Position:

• Patient is either seated, standing or lying supine

The Genie stretch is then performed by moving the desired arm into Horizontal GH Joint - Adduction . Most often slight Elbow - Flexion is added to increase focus of the stretch on the posterior capsule. The opposing arm may further increase the stretch by grasping the distal Humerus and pulling it further into horizontal adduction.

Cluster

The following techniques share similarities to the Genie Stretch and may be used to more suitably address a patients pathology:

Regression

As the Genie Stretch is already considered a rudimentary stretch, the technique may be regressed by lying the patient in the supine (face up) position. This position better stabilises the body and allows the direction of gravity to assist with the movement.

Progression

The following techniques may be used as a progression to advance the patient from the Genie Stretch once competent:

• Sleeper Stretch - greater emphasis on range of motion, in particular GH Joint - Internal Rotation

• Sleeper Stretch MWM - self-guided Glenohumeral Joint mobilisation combined with stretch

Pathology

This stretch may be of benefit for those with the following conditions (SOURCE-1+2):

• Posterior Glenohumeral Joint Capsule Restriction

• GH Joint - Internal Rotation Restriction

• Scapular Dyskinesis - particularly with excessive Scapulothoracic Joint - Downward Rotation

• Subacromial Impingement - posterior capsule restriction leads to anterosuperior translation of the Humeral Head during GH Joint - Flexion

• Adhesive Capsulitis - leads to global capsular restriction

• Rotator Cuff Tear / Tendinopathy - pathologic states of the rotator cuff may be related to posterior capsule restriction

• Glenoid Labrum Tear - restriction in the posterior to inferior portion of the joint capsule increase stress on the Labrum, in particular its superior portion ( SLAP Lesion )

• Glenohumeral Instability - in particular posterior instability, with chronicity may lead to adaptive changes such as capsular thickening

References

1. Paine, R., & Voight, M. L. (2013). The role of the scapula. International journal of sports physical therapy, 8(5), 617–629.

2. Woon, C., & Miller, M. (2025, April 18). Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD). Orthobullets. Retrieved from https://www.orthobullets.com/shoulder-and-elbow/3055/glenohumeral-internal-rotation-deficit-gird?hideLeftMenu=true

3. Mukai, H., Umehara, J., Yagi, M., Yanase, K., Itsuda, H., & Ichihashi, N. (2022). Effective stretching position for the posterior deltoid muscle evaluated by shear wave elastography. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 31(8), 1658–1665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2022.01.143