Effectiveness of the Spencer Technique on Shoulder Rotation

Recent research featured in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association shows that a specialized technique focused on helping move the shoulder through its entire range of motion may help baseball pitchers avoid becoming injured as a result of their repetitive pitching motion. The maneuver is known as the Spencer technique.

Pitchers on Seton Hall University’s baseball team took part in a research effort to test the Spencer technique’s effectiveness. Researchers measured the shoulder movement of the pitchers before they took part in training in order to determine a baseline range of motion. After just a week of training, they found that the shoulder exhibited 14 percent less range of motion in its rotation.

Researchers discovered that applying the technique just one time helped shoulder rotation, returning it almost completely to its baseline rotation level. The physician overseeing the study, Stacey England, DO, was encouraged by the results, and looks forward to seeing if the technique's more frequent use will reduce the rate of shoulder injuries. Consequently, researchers are calling upon trainers and other sports medicine professionals to consider implementing the Spencer technique in their practices.