Shoulder Flashcards

(80 cards)

1
Q

What are common shoulder conditions addressed in Pilates for special populations?

A

Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, instability, frozen shoulder, and bursitis.

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2
Q

Which Pilates exercises promote shoulder stability?

A

Plank, quadruped arm lifts, standing arm springs with scapular focus.

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3
Q

Why is scapular alignment important in Pilates?

A

It ensures proper mechanics, reduces strain, and supports healthy range of motion.

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4
Q

What signs indicate poor shoulder mechanics during exercises?

A

Shoulder hiking, winging scapulae, or excessive upper trap activation.

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5
Q

What Pilates cues encourage proper scapular movement?

A

“Glide the shoulder blades,” “draw scapula down,” “soften your ribs.”

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6
Q

How does Pilates benefit clients with shoulder impingement?

A

Improves scapular control, reduces compensation, and builds endurance.

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7
Q

What movements should be avoided with rotator cuff injuries?

A

Avoid high resistance overhead movement, internal rotation under load.

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8
Q

How can the Reformer be used to improve scapular control?

A

Use pulling straps, scapular retraction with arms long, or footbar presses.

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9
Q

Which muscle groups support shoulder joint stabilization in Pilates?

A

Rotator cuff, trapezius, serratus anterior, rhomboids, and deltoids.

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10
Q

What props assist with shoulder alignment during mat work?

A

Yoga block, towel roll, or small ball to support head and shoulders.

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11
Q

Why is shoulder dissociation important in Pilates programming?

A

Allows for isolated arm movement while maintaining scapular stability.

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12
Q

How can Pilates help reduce tension in the upper trapezius?

A

Cue shoulder depression, increase serratus engagement, and reduce load.

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13
Q

What shoulder position promotes safety during arm arcs?

A

Arms slightly below shoulder level with scapular support.

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14
Q

How should overhead work be modified for shoulder instability?

A

Keep load low, range small, and cue scapular engagement first.

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15
Q

What Reformer exercises are safe for early post-rehab shoulder work?

A

Arm circles, chest expansion, light standing arm spring work.

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16
Q

What symptoms indicate shoulder overuse or instability during Pilates?

A

Fatigue, shaking, anterior gliding, or elevation of the scapula.

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17
Q

Why is neutral shoulder girdle alignment important for spinal health?

A

It aligns the spine, promotes balanced posture, and reduces upper body strain.

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18
Q

Which Pilates exercise targets serratus anterior activation?

A

Push-up plus or wall-supported scapular protraction drills.

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19
Q

How can Pilates improve postural control in clients with kyphotic shoulder positioning?

A

By strengthening thoracic extensors and encouraging upright posture.

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20
Q

What is the role of rotator cuff muscles during dynamic Pilates movements?

A

They stabilize the shoulder joint, prevent strain, and guide arm motion.

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21
Q

Which mat exercises are contraindicated for clients with shoulder joint inflammation?

A

Full plank with load, unsupported overhead presses, or dips.

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22
Q

Why is scapular stabilization necessary before loading the arms?

A

To provide a stable base and prevent compensation from the spine or traps.

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23
Q

What Reformer spring tension is appropriate for safe shoulder loading?

A

Use 1–2 light springs to encourage controlled movement and proprioception.

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24
Q

How does limited thoracic mobility affect shoulder range in Pilates?

A

It limits shoulder flexion and may cause compensation in cervical spine.

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25
What is the impact of rounded shoulders on Pilates performance?
It narrows movement capacity and increases risk of tension in upper body.
26
What shoulder cues support injury prevention during arm circles?
“Draw scapula down,” “reach long,” “avoid lifting shoulders.”
27
Which Pilates principle best supports shoulder girdle training?
Control promotes balanced effort and coordinated movement patterns.
28
Why is breath important during shoulder mobility work in Pilates?
It encourages relaxation, supports fluid motion, and reduces gripping.
29
What shoulder mechanics help prevent winging during movement?
Focus on scapular glide, minimize elevation, and cue serratus activation.
30
What standing exercise can retrain shoulder stabilization in functional movements?
Wall slides or resistance band presses with neutral shoulder alignment.
31
What signs of compensation might appear with limited shoulder ROM?
Elbow flare, spinal shifting, or elevated scapula on one side.
32
What cues reduce tension in the neck and shoulders during upper body work?
“Soften the neck,” “draw shoulders away from ears,” “engage core first.”
33
What movement is contraindicated for shoulder dislocation history?
Avoid full end-range abduction and external rotation under load.
34
What are signs of scapular dyskinesis during Pilates?
Asymmetrical winging, early elevation, or downward rotation.
35
What modifications should be made for swan prep with shoulder pain?
Reduce height of upper body lift, support arms, and reduce scapular loading.
36
How can Pilates improve upward rotation of the scapula?
With serratus training, thoracic extension, and proper movement cueing.
37
What movement contributes to shoulder impingement if not properly cued?
Improper cueing of arm circles or straight arm flexion with loaded springs.
38
Why are small ranges and light loads preferred in shoulder rehab?
They promote motor control, prevent overload, and protect healing tissues.
39
Which shoulder movement should be avoided in early recovery phases?
Overhead shoulder abduction with load or jerky arm flexion.
40
How can Pilates assist with functional shoulder movements like reaching or lifting?
By strengthening scapular stabilizers, cueing control, and simulating functional tasks.
41
What is scapulohumeral rhythm, and why is it important in Pilates?
It refers to the coordinated movement between the scapula and humerus to ensure full shoulder mobility.
42
Which exercises help improve scapular upward rotation?
Wall slides, upward reach with springs, and resisted shoulder flexion with serratus engagement.
43
Why should clients avoid shoulder elevation during loaded arm work?
Elevation recruits upper traps and reduces joint space, risking impingement.
44
What Pilates cue helps reduce anterior shoulder strain?
“Draw shoulders wide,” “soften front ribs,” and “wrap shoulders around the back.”
45
How does thoracic extension support shoulder mechanics?
It allows full shoulder range without overcompensating from the neck or spine.
46
Which shoulder exercises are appropriate for frozen shoulder recovery?
Wall crawls, towel slides, and gentle standing arm spring work with support.
47
What is a red flag symptom during shoulder range of motion work?
Sharp, shooting pain or significant motion loss compared to the other side.
48
Why is the serratus anterior critical for shoulder function?
It prevents winging and aids in scapular protraction and upward rotation.
49
How does Pilates improve postural shoulder imbalance?
By cueing balanced shoulder blade glide, postural lift, and thoracic mobility.
50
What Reformer exercise promotes control in shoulder flexion?
Arms in straps with light resistance and controlled flexion return.
51
How can Pilates be modified for clients with shoulder instability?
Use light springs, limit range, and maintain scapular awareness throughout.
52
What scapular motion helps avoid impingement during arm raises?
Upward rotation and scapular glide to maintain space under acromion.
53
Why should shoulder internal rotation be minimized under resistance?
It narrows subacromial space and stresses rotator cuff tendons.
54
Which shoulder muscles often compensate for weak scapular stabilizers?
Upper traps and deltoids often compensate for weak lower traps and serratus.
55
What Pilates movements encourage rotator cuff endurance?
Scapular pushups, side planks with low load, and light spring resistance.
56
How does kyphotic posture influence shoulder alignment in Pilates?
It alters scapular position and limits safe arm motion overhead.
57
What cue supports balanced shoulder girdle placement in supine?
“Draw shoulder blades wide and heavy,” “keep chest soft.”
58
Which arm spring setting is ideal for shoulder rehab on the tower?
Yellow or blue spring for light resistance and controlled range.
59
What is a common mistake in arm circles related to shoulder loading?
Letting arms move too far behind the body or lifting shoulders with effort.
60
Why are resisted overhead movements risky in early rehab stages?
It stresses healing tissue and can reinforce compensatory patterns.
61
How can Pilates correct forward shoulder carriage?
By strengthening rhomboids, serratus, and cueing posture awareness.
62
What shoulder positioning protects the joint during bridging with arm work?
Arms aligned with shoulders, elbows slightly bent, scapula gently engaged.
63
What role does breath play in scapular stabilization?
It supports neuromuscular coordination and decreases gripping patterns.
64
What mat cue prevents neck tension during shoulder strengthening?
“Keep chin tucked,” “soften jaw,” “keep shoulder blades wide.”
65
Which shoulder condition is aggravated by excessive downward rotation?
Scapular downward rotation can aggravate frozen shoulder and impingement.
66
How can scapular depression be overused in Pilates?
Overemphasis may limit elevation needed for natural shoulder rhythm.
67
What exercises encourage shoulder external rotation safely?
External rotation in side-lying, band work, or arms in straps with control.
68
Which Pilates prop supports better scapular placement during supine work?
Towel roll under scapula or mid-back supports neutral shoulder placement.
69
What Reformer spring load encourages correct form in shoulder pulling straps?
1–2 red springs depending on control; avoid tension that pulls scapula forward.
70
What exercise helps improve shoulder abduction without winging?
Standing wall arm lifts with cueing for scapular upward rotation.
71
What cue supports shoulder congruency in quadruped work?
“Push the floor away,” “hover shoulder blades,” “lengthen collarbones.”
72
Why should arm arcs be avoided in early stages of shoulder pain?
They can compress joint structures and limit scapular upward glide.
73
What postural fault leads to overactivation of upper traps?
Forward head and rounded upper back posture lead to overuse of upper traps.
74
What exercise helps improve shoulder retraction without tension?
Wall scapular slides or scapular retractions with control.
75
How can towel glides assist in shoulder mobility work?
They allow safe gliding of shoulder flexion with minimal load and feedback.
76
What are safe isometric options for shoulder strengthening?
Wall press or plank hold against wall activates muscles without overload.
77
Why is hand placement important in shoulder flexion work?
Hands should remain shoulder-width and aligned with collarbone level.
78
What movement patterns should be emphasized to retrain scapular function?
Scapular upward rotation, depression, and controlled retraction sequences.
79
What are contraindications for loaded plank work in shoulder rehab?
Uncontrolled pain, history of dislocation, or acute inflammation.
80
What cue improves coordination between scapular motion and thoracic spine?
“Expand your back,” “float shoulder blades,” “lift from the thoracic spine.”