Soft Tissue
Posterior rotator cuff mobilisation
Reduce pain and tension in the back of the shoulder.
CompleteAlso called: infraspinatus release, back of shoulder ball massage
Why it is used in rehab
Posterior cuff tension commonly accompanies cuff and instability problems; massage gives a novel, calming input and improves blood flow (Ch 5).
Starting position
Lie on your side (or stand against a wall) with a small ball just below the back of the shoulder, under the shoulder blade's outer edge.
Step-by-step
- Lean into the ball to increase pressure; roll slightly away to ease it.
- Pause on tender spots for 10–20 seconds and breathe out to relax.
- Use the other hand to gently turn the treated arm inward (internal rotation) to add movement.
Movement mechanics: Pressure plus movement of the underlying muscle; aim for a "good hurt", not sharp pain.
📖 Rehab Science instructions paraphrased from the book’s exercise description
Coaching notes
Common mistakes
- Pressing so hard that pain becomes sharp or tingly
- Rolling directly on the bony spine of the shoulder blade
Easier variation
- Use the wall instead of the floor for lighter pressure
Advanced variation
- Add active internal and external rotation while on the ball
ℹ Additional explanation
Precautions
AMBER — get assessed before starting rehab
- Stop with sharp
- travelling pain
- numbness or tingling (Ch 5
- PDF p. 85)
- Stop or modify if your familiar pain exceeds 3/10 or your resting pain is worse the next day (PDF pp. 210–212).
Where it appears in Rehab Science
| Protocol | Phase | Group | Prescription | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder Pain | 1 | Soft Tissue Mobilizations | Spend 1–2 minutes on each area · Perform in any order on both sides · Stop on tender points for 10–20 seconds · Avoid exercises and arm movements that flare up your symptoms | 371 |
| Shoulder Instability | 1 | Soft Tissue Mobilizations | Spend 1–2 minutes on each area · Perform in any order on both sides · Stop on tender points for 10–20 seconds | 402 |
Source: Rehab Science · Ch 16 · PDF pp. 371, 402, 403show sources ▾
Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.