‘Cook Band shoulder D2 stabs’
The patient/client (gray shirt) holds a proper shoulder position (“packed”) at their pain free end range while the clinician/trainer (black shirt) performs oscillatory motions (rhythmic stabilization) in all directions, ensuring proper shoulder technique (have the patient stand near a mirror) . One hand on the band puts a constant load while the other hand oscillates. Increase the challenge by oscillating in several directions randomly or oscillating with both hands. Again, this can be performed in any position but I assure you that you will see increased AROM afterwards by facilitating scap and rotator cuff muscles.
This is a simple exercise that will really challenge your patient’s stability and proprioception. This is a great exercise for:
- Progressing from unloaded (supine,quad) to a more loaded motor control exer
- Can also be performed in tall/half kneeling
- Progressing to dynamic (movement) motor control
- Retraining new end range
- Educating on control on several functional movement patterns
A simple progression can be made by simply adding motion to the pattern and applying oscillating resistance (and appropriate cueing) during the concentric and eccentric phase
‘Cook Band shoulder D2 stabs+repeated contractions’
Downward oscillations throughout the rise and lowering phase.
This one exercise was able to eliminate shoulder pain in a patient I saw yesterday with normal mobility but pain during dead hang pull ups and jujitsu. I hypothesis this decreased the load on the AC ligament and improve dynamic stability of the RTC. This ‘corrective exercise’ performed before his workout session reinforced correct shoulder loading during closed chain pull activities.
Give it a try before your overhead exercises or perform on your patients and see the wonderful effects!
