Exercise Compensations

Question 1

Rows - Target Muscles

Answer 1

Rhomboids, Middle Trap

Question 2

Rows - Why It’s Not Ideal

Answer 2

Encourages anterior humeral translation and scapular retraction. Does not help stabilize the arm overhead, which is the primary job of the middle trap. For better middle trap function, focus on stabilization exercises (Prone T-raise with 2-3 sec holds would be a better alternative)

Question 3

Rows - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 3

Watch for shoulder shrugging due to levator scap/upper trap dominance—patients often “cheat” this way.

Question 4

Supine IR - Target Muscles

Answer 4

Rotator Cuff

Question 5

Supine IR - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 5

Watch for anterior humeral translation. Cue the patient to stop before this occurs to prevent the pec from pulling the humeral head forward with an anterior glide.

Question 6

Wall Slides - Target Muscles

Answer 6

Upper Trap

Question 7

Wall Slides - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 7

Add a shrug at the end to encourage proper upper trap activation.

Question 8

Rotator Cuff Training - Target Muscles

Answer 8

Rotator Cuff

Question 9

Rotator Cuff Training - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 9

Ensure the rotator cuff is trained for its primary function: stabilizing the GH joint.

Question 10

Rhythmic Stabilizations - Target Muscles

Answer 10

Rotator Cuff, Shoulder Stabilizers

Question 11

Rhythmic Stabilizations - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 11

Writing the ABCs while holding the arm straight in supine with a light dumbbell can improve stabilization.

Question 12

Seated ER - Target Muscles

Answer 12

Rotator Cuff

Question 13

Seated ER - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 13

Watch for excessive scapular retraction as a compensation.

Question 14

Upper Trap Activation - Target Muscles

Answer 14

Upper Trap

Question 15

Upper Trap Activation - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 15

Best performed in an OVERHEAD POSITION for optimal activation.

Question 16

Sleeper Stretch Issues - Target Muscles

Answer 16

Posterior Shoulder Capsule

Question 17

Sleeper Stretch Issues - Why It’s Not Ideal

Answer 17

Forcing excessive internal rotation at a hard end feel can be problematic.

Question 18

Sleeper Stretch Issues - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 18

Instead, use a muscle energy technique with crossbody horizontal adduction. Watch for protraction as a substitution (PT can stabilize scapula to discourage protraction)

Question 19

Safest Position for Rhythmic Stabilization (Post-Op RTC Patients) - Target Muscles

Answer 19

Rotator Cuff, Shoulder Stabilizers

Question 20

Safest Position for Rhythmic Stabilization (Post-Op RTC Patients) - Compensations to Watch For

Answer 20

Supine at 90 degrees abduction—avoid positions that are too low or too high.