The BEST Way to Perform the Sleeper Stretch!

By On · 1 Comment · In Corrective Exercise / Pre-Hab, Dynamic Warm Up, Shoulder Pain / Injury, Stretching / Flexibility
As many coaches are aware these days, stretching the posterior shoulder capsule is crucial to maintaining the shoulder health in certain athletes. Especially overhead athletes like tennis players, baseball players and quarter backs. Weight lifters can also benefit from this protocol as well. . There are many sites that discuss the sleeper stretch. But, in my opinion, Dan Blewett has by far the best and most thorough description of how to safely and effectively stretch the posterior shoulder capsule using the sleeper stretch. - Go here to check out Dan’s coaching tips on performing the sleeper stretch. - In addition to Dan Blewett’s post on the best way to perform the sleeper stretch, check out the video below and discover a simple method I use to test if an athlete actually has a tight posterior capsule. - - - - There is one key point to understand about the sleeper stretch as it relates to the above test. - Even if you don’t test “tight”, but still experience restricted limited ROM while performing the sleeper stretch. It still may be important for you to use the sleeper stretch protocol as described in Dan’s blog. - Your restriction may simply not be related to the posterior shoulder capsule. But, rather be related to other shoulder structures be it passive or active. Regardless the sleeper stretch can still benefit you and  improve the functional ability and overall health of your shoulders. - -
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  • If you like this post – Please feel free to copy it and use it as YOUR next Blog post, Newsletter, etc.: All I ask in return is that you include a link to THIS original post, and that you credit me for my work as the original author, along with this bio at the end of the article:

    Coach Nick Tumminello has built a reputation as the ‘Trainer of trainers” through his workshops at conferences and fitness club around the world. And, for his consulting work with pro/college sports teams and with exercise equipment/ clothing manufactures.
    He’s the owner of Performance University international, which provides hybrid strength training & conditioning for athletes and educational programs for fitness professionals. Based in South Florida, Nick is a Fort Lauderdale personal trainer who works with a select group of athletes and exercise enthusiasts.

    You can check out Coach Nick’s articles, DVDs, seminars schedule, mentorship program and very popular hybrid fitness training blog at http://nicktumminello.com/

One Response to The BEST Way to Perform the Sleeper Stretch!

  1. eugene sedita says:
    October 9, 2009 at 4:44 am

    Dear Coach Nick, Thank you for the explication of the test which determines tight posterior capsule and the sleeper stretch. If I may, and you haven’t done the last interview with Mr. Comerford, maybe you could mike him. He’s not always so clear and tends to turn and drop his head from the mike. Just a thought. Thanks as always for your great tips. sincerely, gene