Supported Shoulder External Rotation | Assisted stretch in 3D
Supported Shoulder External Rotation: supine, shoulder internal rotators (external rotation). Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.
Position and focus
Supine · Shoulder internal rotators (external rotation)
An assisted stretch for the shoulder internal rotators (external rotation), observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Starting position
The client lies supine with the left arm out to the side at 90 degrees, the elbow bent to 90 degrees and the forearm pointing towards the ceiling.
Movement phases
1. Support the arm
Support the upper arm from underneath and keep the elbow in place.
2. Rotate towards the head
Rotate the forearm towards the head, using the upper arm as the axis.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch or pain at the front of the shoulder and any lifting of the shoulder.
4. Return the forearm
Return the forearm to point towards the ceiling.
What the trainer checks
Check that there is no pain at the front of the shoulder and that the lower back is not arching.
Instructor information
Trainer position
Stand on the client's left (the side shown in the 3D) with your feet apart front to back, at a height that suits the table. Move by shifting your body weight rather than holding with the arms alone.
Contact and support
Press the forearm (near the wrist) with the palm and support the upper arm (below the elbow) with the other hand.
Stabilisation
Keep the elbow still and use the upper arm as the axis.
Compensation
Lifting of the shoulder, arching of the lower back, shifting of the elbow position.
Easier option
Reduce the range and let the weight of the leg or arm rest on a cushion or the table. Go back to checking a pain-free starting position.
Cues and consent
Tell the client where you will touch and which way you will move, and say, 'Tell me straight away if you feel any pain or discomfort.' Confirm consent before touching and before moving.
Stop criteria
Return to the starting position immediately if the client reports sharp pain, numbness, weakness, a pinching feeling in the joint, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety, or asks to stop.
Caution
Work within your qualifications, contract and studio procedures, and check medical history, medication and any pain before starting. This is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone.
These English notes describe a prototype model. Stretch and foam roller lessons have not yet been reviewed by the supervising instructors. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.
This lesson was put together for this site. It has not yet been reviewed by an expert.
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