Effect of foam roller use followed by stretching on shoulder tendinopathy

Abstract

Introduction: The shoulder joint can be sensitive to disorders such as tendinopathies and rotator cuff tendon rupture, accounting for more than half of shoulder conditions.The myofascial release foam roller (FM) consists of performing rocking movements applied to specific areas of the body, improving range of motion and pain. Objective: To analyze the effect of using RF followed by stretching in 14 individuals with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Methods: The orthopedic maneuvers of Napoleon, Gerber and Hawkins, the DASH questionnaire and the measurement of the range of motion of the shoulder by goniometer were performed, comparing the affected shoulder with the healthy one. In standing position, the roller (located against the wall) was pressed with the infraspinatus muscle for three seconds on each side, repeating five times, then stretching and repeating two more times, then it was done in the same way, but exerting pressure with the pectoralis major muscle. Results: Orthopedic maneuvers were negative, pain and functional difficulty decreased (pre: 86.6 vs post: 50.2) showing a greater degree of movement especially in flexion and external rotation of the treated limb (pre: 148.4° vs post: 174.6° and 179.2° vs 183.7° respectively). Conclusion: The use of RF could be beneficial for those with rotator cuff tendinopathy.