Stretch
Shoulder external rotation stretch (door frame)
Regain external rotation—the first direction lost in frozen shoulder.
Complete
Why it is used in rehab
Low-load, long-duration stretching maximises total end-range time (PDF pp. 422–423).
Targets
Starting position
Elbow at 90°, palm on a door frame.
Step-by-step
- Turn your body away from the arm so the shoulder rotates outward to a moderate stretch.
- 3 reps × 30–60 s, building to 2–5 minutes.
Movement mechanics: Static end-range hold.
📖 Rehab Science instructions paraphrased from the book’s exercise description
Coaching notes
Common mistakes
- Forcing into severe pain
Easier variation
- Shorter hold
Advanced variation
- Longer hold
ℹ Additional explanation
Precautions
AMBER — get assessed before starting rehab
- Not appropriate for Shoulder instability (labral tear, dislocation, subluxation) (see that protocol’s guidance)
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) | 2 | Exercises | 429 |
Source: Rehab Science · Ch 16 · PDF p. 429show sources ▾
Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.