Today, current warm - up routines
for overhead athletes largely consist of modified sport specific skills such as throwing.
The results of this study demonstrate that all three methods significantly improve GH IR ROM
in overhead athletes with GIRD.
Rotator cuff (RTC) strengthening is something common in
many overhead athlete training programs, but many athletes and coaches may actually be doing more harm that good.
The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of self - myofascial release (SMR), static stretching (SS), and SMR + SS on glenohumeral (GH) internal rotation (IR) range - of - motion (ROM) in
overhead athletes exhibiting glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD).
For
overhead athletes like pitchers, tennis players and swimmers, medicine balls in throwing motions (chest pass, side throws, overhead throws) provides great eccentric training for the rotator cuff while developing power in the core.
The
primary overhead athletes we think of are baseball and softball's pitchers, catchers and shortstops, but football quarterbacks, tennis players and swimmers are all equally at risk.
When performing the Z press, throwers and
other overhead athletes (as well as all athletes, regardless of sport) are forced to stabilize with the rhomboids and posterior shoulder to allow for smooth repetitions vertically.
The results of this study support the use of foam rolling with static stretching as part of an integrated warm - up for
overhead athletes who exhibit ROM deficits in the glenohumeral joint.
RTC training is an essential component for the health of
an overhead athlete's shoulder.
If and when
an overhead athlete is in season, he or she need to pay attention to their shoulder.
All this anatomy is important to know because one can see how stiff the thoracic spine (most often lacking mobility in extension), could affect the motion of the shoulder and cause pain in
an overhead athlete (swimming in triathlon).
Arm care and preparation for
the overhead athlete is an absolutely pivotal aspect of both performance and health, especially under heavy and frequent training schedules.Turning on the right muscles at advantageous times, while positioning the active joints to function at their highest possible levels are necessary for long term function and success.
There may not be a more injury susceptible sporting demographic than
overhead athletes.
Does using self - myofascial release (SMR), static stretching, or a combination of both, improve range of motion (ROM) for
overhead athletes?
For
the overhead athlete this means, shoulder injuries!