Which sequence would most likely increase shoulder external rotation ROM by contracting the tight muscle?

Which sequence would most likely increase shoulder external rotation ROM by contracting the tight muscle?

• A. Isometric hold resisting external rotation followed by passive motion into internal rotation
• B. Isotonic contraction of medial (internal) rotation followed by passive motion into medial rotation
• C. Isometric hold resisting medial (internal) rotation followed by passive motion into medial rotation
• D. Isometric hold resisting medial (internal) rotation followed by passive motion into lateral rotation

Answer: (C)

To increase shoulder external rotation when the internal rotators are tight, use a contract-relax type stretch: first activate the tight internal rotators isometrically in their shortened range against resistance, then passively move into external (lateral) rotation. This brief isometric contraction of the tight muscle triggers autogenic inhibition via the Golgi tendon organs, allowing the muscle to lengthen and the ROM to improve when you move into the external rotation direction. So the best sequence is resisting internal rotation and then guiding the arm into external rotation.

To increase shoulder external rotation when the internal rotators are tight, use a contract-relax type stretch: first activate the tight internal rotators isometrically in their shortened range against resistance, then passively move into external (lateral) rotation. This brief isometric contraction of the tight muscle triggers autogenic inhibition via the Golgi tendon organs, allowing the muscle to lengthen and the ROM to improve when you move into the external rotation direction. So the best sequence is resisting internal rotation and then guiding the arm into external rotation.