5 Easy Rotator Cuff Exercises:- After suffering an injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear or strain, some exercises can assist in the development of strength and the improvement of range of motion. A good number of these motions can also assist in the promotion of healing and the prevention of problems.
5 Easy Rotator Cuff Exercises:-Â
Shoulder injuries are known to be major issues, and both sports fans and athletes are aware of this fact. They can induce excruciating pain, restrict movement, and take a long time to recover.
Keep reading to find out about workouts that could potentially aid in the healing process and lessen discomfort.
What is a rotator cuff injury?
There are four muscles that make up the rotator cuff, and they are responsible for stabilizing the shoulder and allowing it to move. It is recommended by Heidi Jannenga, a physical therapist and the founder of Web PT, that you envision the area of the shoulder blade as a golf tee and the head of the arm bone as a golf ball.
The rotator cuff acts as a sleeve that allows the ball to spin and roll while it is still on the tee, according to what she says.
Impingements and rips are the two types of rotator cuff injuries that occur most frequently.
Impingement: When a tendon of the rotator cuff becomes compressed in the tiny area between the bone of the upper arm (humerus) and the front of the shoulder blade (acromion), impingement occurs. Impingement is a condition that most commonly affects athletes. Compression of the tendon can have the effect of causing edema as well as pain.
Tear: An injury known as a rotator cuff tear, which is often referred to as a strain, is a less common injury that happens when a tendon or muscle in the rotator cuff is ripped. Surgery is not necessary for the majority of tears.
Overhead motions that are performed repeatedly can cause the rotator cuff muscles to become worn down, which is why they are a prevalent source of injury. It is for this reason why athletes, such as pitchers in baseball, regularly get shoulder problems.
Another type of injury that might occur is a traumatic injury, such as when you fall and hit your arm. As we become older and there is more wear and tear on our bodies, the likelihood of tearing our rotator cuffs increases. This is true regardless of the cause of the tear.
Can the rotator cuff be fixed with exercise?
There are certain exercises that can assist you in healing and preventing difficulties such as a “frozen shoulder” or loss of range of motion once the swelling has subsided and it is no longer painful to use your arm. Activities like as these include:
- doorway stretch
- side-lying external rotation
- high-to-low rows
- reverse fly
- lawn mower pull
If you are injured, you should also try using the “RICE” approach shortly after the injury: Reducing pain and swelling can be accomplished with a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
In the event that you are confident in adding weight to these exercises, you could want to attempt performing repetitions with a light dumbbell or a resistance band. As an alternative to a light dumbbell, you may try using a can of soup instead.
1. Doorway stretch
- To get your muscles ready for work, you can warm them up by standing in an open doorway and
- spreading your arms out to the side. This will allow your muscles to become more flexible.
- After establishing a firm grasp on the edges of the doorway with each hand at or below shoulder
- height, lean forward into the doorway until you feel a slight stretch. This should be done until you feel a slight strain.
- While you are leaning forward and placing your weight on your toes, it is imperative that you keep
- your back straight. Feeling a stretch and a contraction in the front of your shoulder should be something you experience. Attempt to avoid stretching too much.
- Every day, perform this exercise three times, holding each repetition for fifteen to thirty seconds.
- Repeat this exercise three times.
2. Side-lying external rotation
- Lie down on the side that is unlike to the arm that is injured.
- Rest the elbow on your side and bend it to a 90-degree angle. This will help you recover from your
- injury. It is important that your forearm is resting over your abdomen.
- Take a light dumbbell and hold it in the hand of the affected side. While keeping your elbow
- against your side, slowly elevate the weight toward the sky. If you feel the strain going through your arm, stop rotating it.
- As you return to the starting position with your arm down, hold the dumbbell in the air for a few seconds before repeating the exercise.
- Do three sets of ten repetitions once a day. When performing a set of ten repetitions becomes easy, increase the number of repetitions to fifteen.
3. High-to-low rows
- It is recommended to secure a resistance band to a sturdy object that is at or above shoulder
- height. When you tug on it, make sure that it is securely fastened so that it does not get free.
- Position yourself so that the knee opposite your injured arm is lifted and get down on one knee.
- Your body and your knee that is lowered should be in alignment. You should rest the other hand on your knee that is lifted.
- Holding the band firmly with your arm extended, bring your elbow closer to your body while maintaining a strong grip on it.
- While you pull, make sure that your back is straight and that you squeeze your shoulder blades together and back down. There should be no movement or twisting of your body with your arm.
Come back to the beginning and perform three sets of ten.
4. Reverse fly
- While standing, position your feet so that they are shoulder-width apart and bend your knees
- slightly. Maintain a straight back and bend forward at the waist in a small forward motion.
To perform this exercise, extend your arms and raise them away from your body while holding a - light weight in each hand. Refrain from locking your elbow. Do this while bringing your shoulder
- blades together in a tight squeeze. Refrain from raising your arms over the level of your shoulders.
- Come back to the beginning and perform three sets of ten.
5. Lawnmower pull
- Position your feet so that they are shoulder-width apart. You should position one end of a resistance band beneath the foot that is opposite the arm that is hurt. The damaged arm should be used to hold the other end of the band so that it can be stretched diagonally across your torso.
- Without locking your knees, bend slightly at the waist while keeping your other hand on your hip.
- This will ensure that the hand that is holding the band is parallel to the knee on the opposite side of your body.
- In the same way that you would start a lawn mower in slow motion, you should straighten your back and pull your elbow across your body until it reaches your outside ribs. While you are
- standing, make sure that your shoulders are relaxed and that you squeeze your shoulder blades together.
- Perform three sets of ten repetitions.
See Also: Ding Dong Cake Recipe Step By Step Guide
Are the more safe exercises for a rotator cuff injury?
You can speed up your recovery and help avoid further harm by performing additional workouts from the list that is available to you. These include the following:
Self-myofascial release (SMR) for the trapezius and rhomboid muscles using a tennis ball for the posterior shoulder Performing a cross-body stretch with a tennis ball and an SMR for the pectoralis major and minor muscles
The chest stretch with the static foam roll
Takeaway
Within the shoulder, the rotator cuff, which is comprised of four muscles, plays a significant function in maintaining both stability and mobility.
If you have sustained an injury to your rotator cuff, such as a tear or strain, performing particular exercises and stretches can assist you in enhancing your range of motion and building strength. Additionally, these activities have the potential to aid in the process of healing and lessen the likelihood of any additional issues occurring.
Having said that, you should consult a medical professional if, more than a few days after your injury, you are still feeling pain, swelling, difficulty elevating your arm, or problems sleeping on your arm. It is possible that these are signs of a more serious damage.
IF you like this article 5 Easy Rotator Cuff Exercises Please share with your friends and family members.