Last Updated Apr 2011
Rotator cuff exercises are the ultimate rotator cuff therapy treatment. No matter if you have suffered a full or partial rotator cuff tear, developed tendonitis or had surgery. Exercise will be the single most significant factor in your recovery.
Unless you are a sportsman, are particularly young, or have suffered a large and acute tear then exercises will almost certainly be the first treatment option. If surgery has been performed then the recovery protocol will be based upon progressive rehabilitation exercises.
If you truly want to heal your rotator cuff injury, then exercises are vital. They are also
- natural
- permanent cure
- low risk
- healthy
- Non surgical
- cheap
There are no rotator cuff problems that do not require exercises in their rehabilitation. Just as importantly, undertaking a variety of appropriate exercises will prevent injuries from either occurring or re occurring in the future.
It is certainly true that as we develop more sedentary lifestyles the incidence of rotator cuff injury is growing. What is statistically significant, however, is that people such as construction workers are much less likely to develop such problems.
What is the reason for this? Well, it's quite simple; they exercise their rotator cuff everyday just by doing their job. This is a very significant point to understand. If you are inactive problems will occur. Also, if you have had a problem and remain inactive you will not heal.
The truly great news is that exercises are
- available to all
- low cost
- simple
- infinitely variable
- safe
- effective
How does that sound? Does it sound too good to be true? Well it really isn't!
And this is why:
Available to all
Can you sit in a chair and lift your arm? How about if you sit in a chair and have someone else lift your arm, could you manage that? If the answer is yes then you can do rotator cuff exercises.
Low cost
Maximum cost may involve the purchase of some small dumbbells or some exercise resistance bands. Use your imagination; use a few food tins as weights and you could easily reduce the cost even further.
Simple
Exercises can be done when you are lying down, sitting down or standing up. They can be done alone or assisted. To exercise effectively needs little or no weight - remember these are small muscles requiring a maximum of 3 or 4 pounds in weight.
Infinitely variable
Work through a range of movement planes, rotator cuff stretches, isometric exercises, resistance bands, weights or no weights, pendulum swings, sitting down, standing up, throw a ball against a wall, play catch with the kids. Whatever you do, use your imagination and try to make it fun! You really will benefit long term with this approach.
Safe
Start with simple single plane movements, no weight or resistance. Gradually (and I mean really gradually!) build up your range of movement, weight and resistance, stop when tired, stop on pain - listen to your body.
Effective
Virtually every cuff injury treatment either starts or ends with rotator cuff exercises. Why? Because they work!
You too can use exercise to heal your rotator cuff why not visit me at Rotator Cuff Exercises to learn more?
Steve Kaiser has used exercise to treat his own rotator cuff symptoms. Learn how you could do the same at Rotator Cuff Therapy Exercises.