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Ruben Luijkx, Master of Science and co-owner of Fysio Fitaal, specialises in sports-related complaints, ultrasound diagnostics and manual therapy. Writing on physiofitaal.nl, he introduces you to the expertise and professionalism of Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg.
Exorotation shoulder lateral position
Exorotation shoulder while lying on your side is an exercise where you rotate the forearm outward in a controlled manner against slight resistance (e.g. a dumbbell). The upper arm remains close to the body while the rotation takes place in the shoulder joint. The exercise specifically targets the external rotators and is widely used within rehabilitation and shoulder stability training.
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Purpose of the exercise
Aims to strengthen the external rotators of the shoulder (especially infraspinatus and teres minor). Improves shoulder stability, balance between internal and external rotators and neuromuscular control. Supports injury prevention and optimal shoulder function during pushing, pulling and overhead movements.
Supplies
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Light dumbbell or small weight
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Mat or comfortable surface
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Possibly towel roll under the upper arm
Starting position
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Lie on your side
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The lower arm supports the head
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Upper arm of the working leg lies against the body
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Elbow bent at about 90 degrees
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Possibly towel between elbow and torso
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Shoulders relaxed and stable
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Core slightly tightened
Implementation
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Start with the forearm in front of the abdomen
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Turn forearm outwards in a controlled way
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Keep the elbow against the body
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Move to a comfortable end position
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Actively tighten the external rotators
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Lower the forearm back slowly and in a controlled manner
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Move without momentum or trunk rotation
Points of interest
✓ Keep the elbow stable against the body
✓ Move controlled and without swaying
✓ Use light resistance for optimal control
✓ Keep shoulders low and relaxed
✓ Move within a pain-free range
✗ Using too heavy a weight
✗ Elbow release from body
✗ Turning the fuselage
✗ Raising shoulders
✗ Ignoring pain in shoulder or neck
When this exercise?
Lateral shoulder exorotation is used to strengthen the external rotators in a targeted way, often within rehabilitation for shoulder problems or instability. The exercise is very suitable in early and middle stages of recovery, as the side-lying position offers great stability and limits compensations.
In addition, this exercise is used preventively in athletes who do a lot of overhead or throwing movements to optimise the balance between internal and external rotators. Because of the well-dosed load, the exercise is applicable in different phases of training and recovery. Application, loading and progression should always take place in consultation with a physiotherapist or other qualified professional to ensure that the exercise is safe and tailored to individual load capacity, symptoms and recovery status.
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