Dear Daverlee

thanks for the enlightenment, had no idea thats what there were called...do you?

Off the top of the dome

I would suspect that this exercise will be good if you entire cervicothoracohumeral complex is in tip top shape... I also feel it may be used for a post up Wikipedia reference-linkrotator cuff as an advanced exercise...because it combines a good stretch working concentric/ eccentrically, however a thorough assessment is needed prior...
The other arm helps stabilize the thorax helping to recruite the scapulo spinal muscles...it looks good however you were hoping we would give our opinions on where you feel contraindications may exist is it not...

1) client with neck disorders, this should be sorted out first before giving them this exercise...as from the picture, I can already see one client going into a hike and his neck appears sideflexed an rotated left...this person will develope serious neck issues if he continues with this exercise...

2) I would say clients with an impingement syndrome should be carefully assessed before prescribing this exercise...if the cannot achieve painless abduction within the required range then they shouldnt do it...likely that if the scapular hasnt got enough range of motion, an impingement can occur...


3) recurrent shoulder dislocations will be a no no...instability definitely a no no...

4)i feel clients with arthritic shoulders will not be able to do this...there is a risk of aggravating their symptoms, they are better of with pendular exercises, mild arthritis probably...

The only downside to this exercise is i do not feel it will allow for good scapulohumeral rythmn (because the bar limits fluidity of transition from internal to external rotation...Ive tried it on myself and I keep getting clicks in my left shoulder), throught the range of flexion and abduction...good exrtenal rotation is needed, if your cervicothoracohumeral complex is rubbish...you could seriously hurt yourself...
A thorough assessment will be needed before i prescribe this for anyone and if I have to...I will do it in supine..

There are safer ways to improve the mobility of the shoulder, I feel...

Can you tell me how you have used this exercise? and what reports you have obtained from people who have been doing it.


Thank you for the clarification earlier