Comparative Effects of Two Procedures for the Management of Posterior Shoulder Tightness

Comparative Effects of Two Procedures for the Management of Posterior Shoulder Tightness

This study aims to compare the effects of a self-stretch procedures versus a clinician applied musculoskeletal procedure in individuals with posterior shoulder tightness.

Posterior shoulder mobility has been considered a contributing factor to shoulder related movement dysfunction. There is evidence indicating that posterior shoulder tightness (PST) might be present in individuals with impingement related symptoms, post-operative conditions and overhead athletes. Several studies have investigated the effects of musculoskeletal procedures (joint mobilisations and stretch) in subjects with posterior shoulder tightness (PST). This cross-over design aims to compare the differences between a well-established procedure - the crossbody stretch - versus mobilisation with movement, on range of motion and pain pressure threshold of asymptomatic individuals with unilateral PST.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Asymptomatic individuals without any history of shoulder pain necessitating medical attention.
• Presence of unilateral restriction of at least 10 degrees of internal rotation deficit during the internal rotation mobility test in 90 degrees of shoulder abduction.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Asymptomatic individuals that present with shoulder pain on the assessment day.
• Individuals with chronic conditions not affecting the shoulder.
• Individuals with clinical depression.
• Individuals that used analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory medication in the previous 24 hours of assessment.
• Individuals with fibromialgia.
• Individuals engaged in overhead sports.