Crossover symmetry provides shoulder strengthening in multi-plane patterns, rather than the more-often used single plane. It uses the ideas of strengthening the shoulder through movement patterns, rather than isolating and targeting specific shoulder and scapular muscles. Through the ‘X’ pattern created by the resistance bands, crossover symmetry provides a rotational stability component in addition to the targeted movement pattern for exercise. There are 4 key programs used in our clinic: Activation, Activation+, Recovery, and Strength designed to target specific components of rehab or general shoulder exercise. 

Crossover symmetry uses various resistance bands of weights from 3 to 40 lbs for shoulder strengthening. The key component that makes crossover symmetry stand out from other strengthening products and programs is it was engineered to target “functional movement patterns” (crossoversymmetry.com) versus isolating specific muscles. In this way, it provides patients of all categories a more efficient strengthening program and ‘test’ for which activities they have improved at or continue to experience difficulty and/or pain. As a PT, I have incorporated the use of crossover for a majority of my patients with cervical, shoulder, and upper thoracic pathologies. Due to the variety of movements and resistances it provides, I can choose exercises that provide the most relevant transition to activities patients have difficulty with. Crossover has become a staple in our rehab programs for shoulder, thoracic, and cervical patients because of the large variety of exercises it provides, and regions of the body involved with the activity. After only 10 repetitions of each exercise, there is a significant and distinct ‘burn’ in your shoulders and scapular region from the workout provided and can be modified as needed for each patient. We provide treatment for anyone from younger children to older adults, and crossover can be adapted to anyone using the system. For example, baseball players need strength and stability in the ‘high 5’ and overhead positions to prevent injury. While rehabbing a high school baseball player, I was able to focus a number of movements using the crossover to simulate these positions for the transition back to a throwing program.  It does not require an excessive amount of resistance or repetitions to provide proper muscle activation and a solid shoulder workout. Our clinic solely uses the wall anchors, however, they offer squat rack straps and door anchors for those who do not have space at home or in their clinic. The individual package includes a plated workout program which directions in resistance levels and band positions for each exercise, in addition to a training guide booklet and access to their online “Training Zone.” If you are recovering from a shoulder injury, previously received treatment, and looking to continue with progress or just want to incorporate a safe and effective strengthening program into your daily routine; we couldn’t provide a stronger recommendation for use of Crossover Symmetry to achieve your goals.

 If you are interested in rehabbing with the use of crossover symmetry or are looking for proper use of the equipment and would like more information, please feel free to reach out to use at www.elitept.com or @ElitePT_ on Instagram. If you are a former patient, clinic, or gym looking to purchase the crossover symmetry please reach out to us for more details regarding discounted pricing or directly to Crossover Symmetry at www.crossoversymmetry.com or @crossoversymmetry on Instagram.

 

by Patrick Dudley