Supported Shoulder Internal Rotation | Assisted stretch in 3D
Supported Shoulder Internal Rotation: supine, shoulder external rotators and posterior tissues. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.

Position and focus
Supine · Shoulder external rotators and posterior tissues
An assisted stretch for the shoulder external rotators and posterior tissues, 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. The trainer places the hands on the forearm and the front of the shoulder.
Movement phases
1. Support the arm
Lightly hold the front of the shoulder so it does not lift.
2. Rotate towards the feet
Rotate the forearm towards the feet, using the upper arm as the axis.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch at the back of the shoulder and any lifting at the front of the shoulder.
4. Return the forearm
Return the forearm to point towards the ceiling.
What the trainer checks
Check that the front of the shoulder is not lifting.
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 hold the front of the shoulder with the other hand.
Stabilisation
Lightly press the front of the shoulder towards the table.
Compensation
Forward lifting of the shoulder, 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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