The Shoulder External Rotation Stretch is a rudimentary self-guided Stretching technique used to restore/ improve length in the GH Joint - Internal Rotation Muscles and Anterior Glenohumeral Joint Capsule . Restoring length in the involved structures may be relevant in the treatment of pathologies such as Adhesive Capsulitis and Subacromial Impingement or following immobilisation or surgical intervention.
Starting Position:
Patient is standing upright with upper arm by their side ( GH Joint - Adduction ) while the lower arm is bent to 90º Elbow - Flexion
The stretch is then performed by adding GH Joint - External Rotation until a desired stretch of the GH Joint - Internal Rotation muscles is achieved. The hand may be fixed behind a solid object and torso rotated in the contralateral direction to increase the stretch.
with 90º GH Joint - Abduction - emphasises different portion of the Subscapularis and the Anteroinferior portion of the Glenohumeral Joint Capsule
with 90º GH Joint - Flexion - emphasises same structures as original version with slightly altered bias
The Shoulder External Rotation Stretch may be regressed if the intensity or position exceeds that of the patient:
Forward Elevation Stretch - rudimentary passive stretch with moderate GH Joint - Flexion range
The Shoulder External Rotation Stretch may be progressed once proficiency is achieved:
Dowel External Rotation Stretch - self-guided GH Joint - External Rotation stretch with overpressure
Door Frame Shoulder Stretch - self-guided anterior shoulder stretch with large Horizontal GH Joint - Abduction range
Split Stance Biceps Stretch - self-guided anteiror shoulder stretch with large GH Joint - Extension range