Introduction: Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit syndrome is a condition in which the range of internal rotation of the glenohumeral joint is reduced, often accompanied by a simultaneous increase in external rotation. It frequently occurs in athletes performing repetitive overhead movements and increases the risk of shoulder injuries as well as functional stability impairments. Purpose: The aim of this review is to analyze the pathophysiology of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit syndrome in athletes and to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy approaches for its prevention. Methods: The search for relevant literature was conducted in the PubMed and PEDro databases using the keywords “GIRD AND athlete.” Inclusion criteria encompassed freely accessible articles in English that investigated active athletes. Exclusion criteria were literature reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies. Results: Five studies were included in the final review, examining the effects of different physiotherapy protocols on shoulder mobility, pain, muscle strength, and function. Although methodologies and measurement protocols varied between studies, the results indicate that structured rehabilitation approaches significantly contribute to improvements in range of motion, neuromuscular control, and pain reduction. Discussion and conclusion: The results of the five reviewed studies show that targeted physiotherapy interventions, such as stretching of posterior structures, mobilization, and elastic band exercises, are effective in improving mobility, muscle function, and neuromuscular control in athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit syndrome. Despite methodological differences between studies, it appears that combining passive techniques with active exercises provides the most lasting and functionally meaningful improvements. Further research with larger and more heterogeneous samples is needed to confirm the long-term effects of these approaches and to generalize them to a broader athletic population.
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