The Dowel External Rotation Stretch is a self-guided Stretching technique used to improve length in the Anterior Glenohumeral Joint Capsule and through GH Joint - External Rotation range.
The following soft-tissues may experience Stretching during this technique:
Starting Position:
Patient is either seated or standing, grasping a Dowel (pole) with both hands in full Elbow - Supination and ~90º Elbow - Flexion so that The Elbows are tucked to their respective sides
The GH Joint - External Rotation stretch force is then applied by the contralateral (opposing) hand.
As the Dowel External Rotation Stretch is quite rudimentary, there are few simpler/ more accessible exercises:
Passive GH Joint - External Rotation
Shoulder External Rotation Stretch - rudimentary active stretch with large GH Joint - External Rotation range and several variations
The following Stretching techniques may be used as a progression to the Dowel External Rotation Stretch:
Banded Capsule Rolls - split stance biceps variation that emphasises shoulder rotation
Shoulder Dislocates - mobility exercise that emphasises the greatest circumduction range possible
Sleeper Stretch MWM - internal rotation stretch combined with Humerus Mobilisation
Shepet, K. H., Liechti, D. J., & Kuhn, J. E. (2021). Nonoperative treatment of chronic, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review with synthesis of a standardized rehabilitation protocol. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 30(6), 1431–1444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2020.11.002