Scapulothoracic Upward & Downward Rotation

Position of the therapist:

• Standing at the long edge of the bench

Position of the patient:

• Side-lying position on the unaffected side close to the edge and facing the therapist
• Hips and knees bent for stability

Hand placement:

• Patient’s forearm supported with the shoulder in MLPP
• Upward rotation: Patient’s arm brought into flexion/abduction with one hand. The other hand grips onto the medial border and inferior angle of the scapula
• Downward rotation: Patient’s arm brought into extension/adduction. One hand grips onto the scapular spine. The other hand placed on the lateral border of the scapula at the height of the inferior angle

Direction:

• Upward rotation: Assisted flexion/abduction of patient’s arm
• Downward rotation: Assisted extension/adduction of patient’s arm