If this problem reoccurs, please contact Scholastica Support. View more stats. Interventions using vibration stimulation have been recognized for their potential for increasing range of motion ROM without compromising muscle strength. Handheld vibration massagers can efficiently deliver vibration therapy to the shoulder joint and may be a potential treatment. To evaluate the effects of vibration massage using a handheld device on the soft tissues of the posterior shoulder joint, particularly on internal rotation IR passive ROM and external rotation ER muscle strength.
A crossover study with a 5-min vibration massage and passive control condition was conducted in healthy male volunteers mean age Vibration massage was applied to the posterior shoulder soft tissues of the dominant arm, with no intervention under control conditions. IR-ROM vertebral level and in abduction and strength of the external rotators isometric and isokinetic were measured before and immediately after the intervention. Vertebral levels were calculated as a ratio of lengths ratio decreases with increased mobility.
IR-ROM in abduction, the angle was measured. By contrast, the control condition produced no changes. Muscle strength did not show any interaction, time, or between-condition effects. A massage using a handheld vibration massager applied to the posterior shoulder soft tissues increased IR-ROM without negatively affecting muscle strength, suggesting its potential use as a means of warming up.
Posterior shoulder tightness PST is defined as soft tissue tightness in the posterior region of the glenohumeral joint, including the infraspinatus, teres minor, and posterior glenohumeral joint capsule. PST induces abnormal humeral head motion during shoulder flexion and abduction and is involved in subacromial pain syndrome, thereby affecting shoulder ROM. However, aggressive treatment, such as manipulation or capsular release, is rarely necessary, with most cases showing improvement following with conservative treatment such as physical therapy, massage, and stretching.
Massage and static stretching are typical approaches for improving soft tissue flexibility. However, self-massage may be challenging to perform in certain areas, such as the shoulder region, inhibiting continuous and preventive intervention.
