This training regimen consisted of 3 phases: the 1st focused on restoring motion, the 2nd on strengthening of the rotator cuff muscles, and the 3rd on strengthening of the scapular muscles. Stretching completed every training session.

• Motion training consisted of 6 exercises.

  • Postural training: shoulder shrugs and shoulder retraction exercises.
  • Glenohumeral training: pendulum exercises, and active assisted flexion, abduction and external rotation.

• Strengthening of the rotator cuff: side lying external rotation, internal rotation and scaption.

• Strengthening of the scapular muscles: press-up, push-up with a plus, serratus anterior supine punch, standing rowing (low row), and seated rowing (high row).

• Training sessions ended with 4 stretches: anterior shoulder stretch, posterior shoulder stretch, inferior capsular stretch, sleepers stretch.

Exercises were performed 3 times a week, with progression after the 1st week, and thereafter every 2nd week.

The program consisted of the following:

• 1 motion exercise: upper trapezius relaxation
• 3 strengthening exercises: serratus anterior strengthening exercise, humeral external rotation with the arm at the side of the body, and humeral external rotation with a rubber band and the arm at 90 degrees abduction.
• 2 stretching exercises: posterior shoulder and pectoralis minor stretching, Exercises were performed daily, with weekly progression.

Functional assessment of the shoulder

Self-administered questionnaire

Shoulder flexion, measurement in degrees; Shoulder abduction, measurement in degrees; Shoulder internal rotation, measurement in degrees; Shoulder external rotation, measurement in degrees.