Shoulder scaption exercises in external rotation

The exercise shown can be used as part of an exercise program for throwers and other overhead athletes. To perform the exercise, the patient stands with their elbow straight and thumb up (ie, extended like a hitchhiker) and then raises their arm to shoulder level and no further. Movement occurs in the scapular plane, about 30 degrees anterior to the frontal plane. The patient maintains the arm at shoulder height for 2 seconds and the slowly lowers it to the starting position. Resistance may be added as strength increases.