The effect of manual inter-structural release on glenohumeral internal rotation range and gliding between the infraspinatus and posterior deltoid

Abstract

Introduction: Shoulder pain in overhead athletes may be related to posterior tightness of the glenohumeral joint, which may be caused by the posterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and teres minor along with the capsule. One method of relieving posterior tightness is “sleeper stretch” in which the arm is inwardly rotated during shoulder joint flexion. However, adhesion may require a more direct intervention such as manual inter-structural release (ISR) to improve the durability of post-intervention effects. This study investigated the effects of ISR between the posterior deltoid and infraspinatus on the gliding behavior of the muscles as well as the range of motion.