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.

1 . An apparatus for stabilizing, strengthening and optimizing range of motion of the shoulder muscles and rotator cuff, said apparatus comprising: 
 a base for supporting said apparatus on a floor surface;    a vertical post attached to an extending upwardly from said base;    a sleeve slideably adjustable throughout a range of adjusted positions on said vertical post;    an arm assembly adjustably fitted to the sleeve, said arm assembly being adjustable throughout a range of rotated positions relative to said sleeve;    a motion assembly adjustably fitted to said arm assembly, and said motion assembly being adjustable throughout a range of adjusted yaw positions relative to said arm assembly; and    said motion assembly including a handle for grasping with one hand to perform a variety of motion activities while the shoulder and rotator cuff construction of the user remains in a stable orientation to allow the user's shoulder joint to move freely throughout a maximum range of motion for the particular individual user, thereby optimizing shoulder range of motion and strengthening of the shoulder muscles when performing the motion activities.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein said arm assembly and said motion assembly are structured and disposed to permit movement of the user's shoulder and rotator cuff construction throughout an active range of motion activities including: 
 scapular retraction and protraction;    shoulder flexion, extension, adduction and abduction; and    shoulder internal and external rotation.    
   
   
       3 . A method for strengthening the shoulder muscles and rotator cuff comprising the steps of: 
 stabilizing the shoulder and rotator cuff construction of the user; and    performing an active range of motion activities of the shoulder and rotator cuff while the shoulder and rotator cuff construction remain stabilized.    
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 3  wherein said active range of motion activities include scapular retraction and protraction.  
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 3  wherein said active range of motion activities include shoulder flexion, extension, adduction and abduction.  
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 3  wherein said active range of motion activities include internal and external shoulder rotation.  
   
   
       7 . The method as recited in  claim 6  wherein said internal and external shoulder rotation active range of motion activities are performed horizontally and vertically.  
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 3  wherein said active range of motion activities include; 
 shoulder pressing in a horizontal motion and a vertical motion.    
   
   
       9 . The method as recited in  claim 3  wherein said active range of motion activities include; 
 chest pressing in both horizontal and vertical motion.    
   
   
       10 . The method as recited in  claim 3  further comprising the steps of: 
 providing resistance throughout said active range of motion activities.