Investigation of the Immediate Effects of the Facilitated Oscillatory Release Technique versus the Traditional Posterolateral Glide on Internal Rotation Range of the Asymptomatic Shoulder: A Pilot Study

Background & Purpose: The Facilitated Oscillatory Release Technique (FORT), or “harmonics,” may be used in the treatment of shoulder injuries. Little evidence exists to support its use in physical therapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of the FORT versus posterolateral glides on internal rotation range (IR) of asymptomatic shoulders. Methods: Participants were blocked-randomized by gender to the harmonics or posterolateral glides group and received 3 minutes of treatment. Passive IR range of motion (ROM) was measured at baseline and immediately following treatment. A 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures was utilized. Findings: The harmonics group had a greater change in mean passive IR (mean difference posterolateral glides=4.90 degrees, harmonics=7.16 degrees). The difference was found to be statistically significant between groups (p=0.025, alpha=0.05). Clinical Relevance & Conclusion: The FORT is a useful option to increase PROM of shoulder IR.