Principles of Functional Exercise

1. External Rotation


2. Horizontal Abduction


3. Stabilizes glenohumeral joint

For example performing external rotation in a side-lying position.

Origin: Scapula – Infraspinous fossa (medial)

Insertion: Humerus – Greater tubercle (posterior)

Common distortions caused by weakness are an internally rotated humerus, tennis elbow
(increased use of wrist extensors to compensate for lack of external glenohumeral rotation), and
Glenohumeral instability

SuPRASPINATuS

Joint Action performed by the Shoulder (glenohumeral)

1. Abduction (initiates)


2. Stabilizes glenohumeral joint

For example performing shoulder abduction in a side-lying position.

Origin: Scapula – superior

Insertion: Humerus – 1. Greater tubercle (superior)

2. Superior facet

Common distortions caused by weakness is an over activation of the deltoid and glenohumeral
instability.

SuBSCAPuLARIS

Joint Action performed by the Shoulder (glenohumeral)

1. Internal Rotation


2. Stabilizes glenohumeral joint


3. Acts as a decelerator of glenohumeral joint when externally rotating

For example it decelerates glenohumeral joint during the cocking phase of overhand

throwing. As well as performing internal rotation in the side-lying position.

Origin: Scapula (anterior) – Subscapularis fossa