Chronic Rotator Cuff-related Shoulder Pain and Graded Motor Imagery

The three different treatment techniques include left/right discrimination training, explicit motor imagery exercises and mirror therapy. These techniques are delivered sequentially but require a flexible approach from the patient and clinician to move forwards, backward and sideways in the treatment process to suit the individual. With patience, persistence and often lots of hard work, GMI gives new hope for treatment outcomes.

This protocol included stretching and strengthening exercises. Self-stretching will encapsulate the upper trapezius, pectoralis minor, posterior. Each stretch will consist of 3 repetitions of 30 seconds with a 30 second break between repetitions. Strengthening exercises will be performed using elastic resistance bands (Theraband ®) with 4 levels of resistance (red, green, blue and grey). Sets can be easily changed (without the person reporting muscle fatigue) and progressed with resistance. The therapist will ask about the level of effort required for exercise exercises and whether it would be possible to increase the resistance level. The exercise consists of three sets of 10 repetitions and is completed with 1 rest between them. Strengthening exercises will include prone extension, prone external rotation with abduction, side lying external rotation and serratus anterior strengthening.