The sleeper stretch is a focused stretch of the posterior and inferior shoulder capsule. The patient lies on their affected side with the sore shoulder and elbow flexed to 90 degrees. The scapula (shoulder blade) can be stabilised by leaning against a wall. The shoulder is then internally rotated (hand pressed towards the ground) using pressure from arm not being stretched to the hand of the arm being stretched. Hold in the stretched position for about thirty seconds. This should be painless but should feel like a firm 'stretch'.
This stretch is excellent for overhead athletes such as pitchers and tennis players to help prevent injury. It is also an essential part of the rehabilitation plan for many shoulder injuries.
