During the sleeper stretch, which setup best positions the body?

During the sleeper stretch, which setup best positions the body?

• A. Standing with the affected arm at the side.
• B. Lying on your side with the affected arm on the bottom, elbow bent and forearm pointing upward toward the ceiling.
• C. Lying on your back with the arms at the sides.
• D. Sitting upright with the arms crossed.

Answer: (B)

The sleeper stretch is designed to lengthen the posterior structures of the shoulder by placing the arm in internal rotation while keeping the shoulder blade stable. The best setup is to lie on the non‑treated side with the involved arm on the bottom, the elbow bent at 90 degrees, and the forearm pointing upward toward the ceiling. This orientation allows the clinician to stabilize the scapula and apply a controlled inward rotation of the humerus, isolating the glenohumeral joint and specifically targeting the posterior capsule and internal rotators. The side‑lying position with the 90-degree elbow provides the proper leverage and minimizes compensations from the trunk or other joints, making the stretch safe and effective. Other positions don’t align the arm for this isolated, controlled rotation or fail to stabilize the scapula, reducing both safety and effectiveness.

The sleeper stretch is designed to lengthen the posterior structures of the shoulder by placing the arm in internal rotation while keeping the shoulder blade stable. The best setup is to lie on the non‑treated side with the involved arm on the bottom, the elbow bent at 90 degrees, and the forearm pointing upward toward the ceiling. This orientation allows the clinician to stabilize the scapula and apply a controlled inward rotation of the humerus, isolating the glenohumeral joint and specifically targeting the posterior capsule and internal rotators. The side‑lying position with the 90-degree elbow provides the proper leverage and minimizes compensations from the trunk or other joints, making the stretch safe and effective. Other positions don’t align the arm for this isolated, controlled rotation or fail to stabilize the scapula, reducing both safety and effectiveness.