Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch Versus Sleeper Stretch in Subject With Shoulder Pathologies

Overview

The glenohumeral joint is an articulation between the glenoid of the scapula and the head of the humerus that is enclosed by a synovial capsule divided into three main components: anterior, posterior, and the axillary pouch. Symptoms of posterior capsule tightness are linked to altered shoulder biomechanics and impairments which includes glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, incomplete glenohumeral adduction, impaired inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) function, and increased risk of impingement symptoms. In the literature the two techniques available for stretching posterior capsule are pragmatic posterior capsular stretch and sleeper stretch. Pragmatic posterior capsular stretch is therapist administered and sleeper stretch is patient-administered. The work on the pragmatic posterior capsular stretch is more specified and rational to mark the tightness in the posterior capsule.

Shoulder pathologies have been reported as the third most popular musculoskeletal problem after knee and back problems and are relatively common in 1 in 3 individuals in their lifetime and reported shoulder pain once a year. The Popular shoulder complex disorders are tendinopathies, rotator cuff lesions, serratus anterior paralysis, subacromial impingement syndrome, and adhesive capsulitis among these 44-65 percent shoulder disorders, contributing to subacromial impingement syndrome. Posterior capsular tightness is more common in overhead activities which increases the force on shoulder joint which may cause posterior capsular tightness along with rotator cuff tear. The active stabilizer for shoulder is rotator cuff which avoid the superior translation of humeral head during shoulder abduction due to weakness of rotator cuff along with posterior inferior capsular tightness the humeral head may translate superiorly and ultimately lead to SAIS in which rotator cuff tendon long head of biceps and subacromial bursa impinge between acromion superiorly and greater tubercle of humeral head inferiorly. Tears of the subscapularis tendon are mostly the result of a degenerative process, but less commonly, traumatic injury can result in acute subscapularis tearing. The most common mechanisms of subscapularis injury are hyperextension and external rotation of the shoulder.6 The infraspinatus (ISP) muscle, one of the rotator cuff muscles. Pain in the infraspinatus is most likely caused by repetitive motion involving the shoulder. Swimmers, tennis players, painters, and carpenters get it more frequently. It also becomes more likely as you get older. The serratus anterior play an important role in prevention of shoulder impingement by lifting the acromion process in overhead activities. The most common pathologies of serratus anterior is serratus anterior dysfunction which may cause scapula winging.8 In GHIRD glenohumeral internal rotation deficit there is 18 to 20 degree of limitation along with glenohumeral horizontal adduction and incomplete humeral rotation can lead to posterior capsular tightness. Therefore, posterior capsular stretch is more effective intervention for posterior capsular tightness.AC joint is responsible for shoulder disability and pain in inactive patient and athletic activities including skiing, cycling and mostly in contact sports which contribute 9 percent approximately of AC joint damage with shoulder injuries. Impairment of AC joint effects range of motion, pain and weakness along with poor posture and these leads to restriction in overhead activities. The most frequent causes are posterior capsular tightness and rotator cuff tear involve overhead movements such as swimming and volleyball and basketball, which have high-velocity pressures on the joint shoulder. In non-operative management of subacromial impingement, anti-inflammatory mediction,subacromial injection of steriods, ultrasound, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy management is normally given. Physical therapy is used to reduce the pain and enhance the functioning of the SIS. Patients should attempt to discontinue overhead movements unless symptoms diminish. A pragmatic posterior capsular stretch (PPCS) is designed to stretch the posterior capsule when it is in torsion.Pragmatic Posterior capsular stretch can effectively improve the functional movements and shoulder ROM of healthy young adults.16 Another popular stretch is the "sleeper stretch". There is a significant increase in posterior shoulder flexibility by sleeper stretch.Scapular movement is restricted while performing the sleeper stretch and accomplished by lying on the side to be stretched, elevating the humerus to 90° on the support surface, then passively internally rotating the shoulder with the opposite arm.