Shoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatus

Abstract

A method and adjustable apparatus for stabilizing and strengthening the shoulder muscles and rotator cuff provides an active range of motion activities that can be performed with or without resistance. In particular, the method and apparatus provide for scapular retraction and protraction, shoulder flexion, extension, adduction and abduction, as well as internal and external shoulder rotation, performed horizontally and vertically. All of these motions are beneficial to the shoulder joint because they allow the joint to move freely throughout its normal range of motion using natural mechanics of the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles. The method and apparatus provide the essential benefit of stabilizing the shoulder and rotator cuff throughout these motions so that the user's range of motion and strength building is optimized. The method and apparatus also provide for self myofascial release techniques to decrease spasm.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to shoulder stabilizer apparatus and more specifically it relates to an adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff, thereby allowing an individual to optimize their shoulder range of motion and strength, as well as to allow for self myofascial release techniques to decrease spasm. [0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art [0004] It can be appreciated that shoulder stabilizer apparatus have been in use for years. Typically, shoulder stabilizer apparatus are comprised of an exercise device that is used for the development of the rotator cuff musculature of a user by isolating the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity during internal and external rotation. [0005] The main problem with conventional shoulder stabilizer apparatus is not having the shoulder stabilized in the most optimal position for strengthening the rotator cuff muscles. In particular, existi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] A primary object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff throughout a variety of active motion activities to thereby overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff to allow for individuals to be able to optimize their shoulder range of motion, strength and stability as well as to allow for self myofascial release techniques to decrease spasm.

[0011] Another object is to provide an adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff in the most optimal position for rotator cuff strengthening.

[0012] Another object is to provide an adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff while allowing for resisted scapular retraction and shoulder adduction with varying intensities.

[0013] Another object is to provide an adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff and to maintain the shoulder at a stabilized position on a variety of planes, by either placing the arm in scapular retraction and adduction by one's side, or by raising the shoulder to 90 degrees of abduction.

[0014] Another object is to provide an adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff while allowing for self myofascial release techniques for the chest and neck muscles which it is imperative to make sure that the muscles are loose in order to allow for proper stabilization the shoulder joint.

Problems solved by technology

The main problem with conventional shoulder stabilizer apparatus is not having the shoulder stabilized in the most optimal position for strengthening the rotator cuff muscles.

In particular, existing apparatus do not allow for resisted scapular retraction as well as adduction of the arm while fixated at 90 degrees, nor do they provide for resisted shoulder internal and external rotation.

Also the prior art does not allow for scapular depression when the arm is at 90 degrees of shoulder abduction.

Further, the prior art does not accommodate for resisted internal rotation which is usually twice as strong as that of external rotation.

The apparatus is U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,943 allows for strengthening of the shoulder muscles, but does not allow for mobility and stabilization of the glenerohumeral joint which is essential in order to optimally strengthen the rotator cuff.

The apparatus disclosed is U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,508 fails to teach the user to maintain a 90 degree angle of the arm and also has to be stabilized to a solid surface, such as a table.

In addition, the prior art fails to provide proper stabilization of the humerus and also the availability to stabilize the shoulder blade, while strengthening the rotator cuff with interchangeable levels of the resistances.

Another problem with conventional shoulder stabilizer apparatus is the failure to allow for scapular depression with resistance of varying intensities in order to stabilize the shoulder joint when placed in a vertical position at 90 degrees of shoulder abduction.

While the numerous devices and apparatus of the prior ant may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not suitable for individuals to be able to optimize their shoulder range of motion, strength building and stability, nor do they allow for self myofascial release techniques to decrease spasm.

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