Posterior shoulder stretching device

Abstract

A device for facilitating stretching of the posterior shoulder includes a brace portion having a shoulder opening and a wedge-shaped scapula stabilization pad, an anterior strap extending from one side of the brace portion, a posterior strap extending from another side of the brace portion, a ring at the end of said posterior strap to facilitate coupling the anterior strap to posterior strap, and a hook-and-loop attachment on said anterior strap effective to secure the end of the strap to a portion of the strap nearer the brace portion. The device may be used to stretch the posterior shoulder by sliding a patient's arm through the shoulder opening of the device and positioning the device on the superior aspect of the patient's shoulder girdle, bringing the posterior strap of said posterior shoulder stretching device around the patient's mid-back and under the opposite axilla and passing the anterior strap through the ring at the end of the strap, retracting the scapula toward the spine on the side of the device and pulling the anterior strap tight, thereby wedging the scapula stabilization pad into the anterior lateral aspect of the scapula, flexing the shoulder to 90 degrees on the side of the device, and grasping the elbow with the opposite hand and pulling the arms across midline to stretch the posterior shoulder.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of applicant's copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 359,498, filed Jun. 29, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to exercise devices, and more particularly to a device for stretching the posterior shoulder.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0003]Posterior capsule tightness of the shoulder has been suggested as a causative or perpetuating factor in shoulder impingement syndrome and labral lesions in the overhead athlete. Selective tightening of the posterior shoulder causes anterior and superior translation of the humeral head with shoulder elevation. Abnormal humeral head motion can result in a decrease in the subacromial space during overhead activities. Approximation of the humeral head and acromium can cause compression of tissues in this region.[0004]A popular stretch utilized by overhead...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a device that allows an athlete to stretch the posterior aspect of their shoulder without needing another person's help. The device stabilizes the shoulder joint and the scapulothoracic region, allowing the athlete to perform the stretch independently. The device includes a brace with an opening that allows the affected arm to pass through and an anterior strap and posterior strap that work together to push the stabilizing pad into the scapula. The device allows for a more targeted stretch and prevents compensatory motion at the scapulothoracic region."

Problems solved by technology

Abnormal humeral head motion can result in a decrease in the subacromial space during overhead activities.

Approximation of the humeral head and acromium can cause compression of tissues in this region.

A popular stretch utilized by overhead athletes is the “cross-body-stretch.” This stretch has been criticized because the scapula is not stabilized and therefore tissue stress is imparted to the scapulothoracic tissues instead of the posterior structures of the glenohumeral joint.

Methods have been described where the scapula is manually stabilized, but it has the disadvantage of requiring a second person and limits how often the stretch can be performed.

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