A Good Exercise for Impingement

A Good Exercise for Impingement

Reference:APTEI Shoulder Course Part II

I’m a fan of PNF pattern exercises that used to be popular in the 70s and 80s but for some strange reason they went out of style.

Start with really light resistance bands and progress the reps and sets based on patient’s level of irritability. This exercise may kill two birds with one stone: retrains the humeral external rotators and the scapular upward rotators- both can be potentially valuable for preventing impingement.

The PNF pattern exercise may also be performed in the gym with cable pulleys using as much weight as tolerated. The use of 2 hands is generally wiser as it reduces the stress on one shoulder. Another good rule of thumb is to look, turn the neck and follow the hand during the movement pattern.

Usually within 6 weeks, strength and ability to elevate increase as long as other contributing factors to impingement are also addressed.

Posted on: December 22, 2014

Categories: Shoulder