Q: How can I use the Rotational Diskboard™ for shoulder stabilization exercises?
A:
The Rotational Diskboard is a fantastic tool to work in the transverse plane while still challenging your client to work within a normal range of motion.
The STOTT PILATES® Injuries and Special Populations (ISP) course reviews many different modifications that you can use to access the shoulder joint. The ISP/Rehab series DVDs also have some great modification recommendations.
In the meantime, try these modifications with your client:
- Place the Long Box on the Reformer, and lower the Footbar. Have your client lie prone on the Long Box with the hands on the Rotational Diskboard. As they push the carriage out, have them try to medially rotate the arms, then return to neutral. Try this exercise bilaterally or unilaterally as well.
- Have the client sit sideways on the Reformer carriage, with one side facing the Rotational Diskboard, and place the closest hand to the Diskboard on one of the discs. Have the client try different rotations of the shoulder joint while they push the carriage away from the Diskboard.
For more information on the STOTT PILATES Injuries and Special Populations course, or STOTT PILATES Rehabilitation program, contact our Education Advisor at educationadvisor@merrithew.com, or 1-800-910-0001 ext. 300.