How to Prevent a Rotator Cuff Injury

Have you ever had trouble with your shoulder? If youAt the top of the movement, your palms should be
haven't yet, you more than likely will within your lifetime.facing downward and the dumbbells should be at the
Anyone who does any kind of physical activitysame height as your elbows. Do Not tilt the front of
regularly like running or sports is at high risk for havingthe dumbbell down like a pouring water motion. This will
a rotator cuff injury. The more activity you do, theincrease the impingement on the tendons and cause
more risk you have for this problem. You are still atinflammation.
risk even if you never shoot a basketball or workout.Behind the Neck Anything
By regular daily activities, the rotator cuff getsPerforming exercises like pull ups, lat pulldowns, or
stretched, pulled, and beaten. Over time, the wear andshoulder press behind the neck can be very
tear can limit your shoulders' range of motion anddangerous on your shoulder. Doing exercises like this
cause you chronic shoulder pain. It's okay though. Mostrequire a lot of flexibility in your shoulders. Over time,
of these injuries can be prevented by only a fewthe rotator cuff can't handle the stress of the weight in
minutes of work.the behind the neck position.
When trying to prevent rotator cuff injury orUpright Rows
rehabilitate an already injured one, three things need toIf you have problems with your shoulder already, this
be done. Strengthening the muscles around the rotatorexercise should be eliminated completely. This position
cuff reduces the risk of injury and restores function inpinches the tendons accelerating rotator cuff
an injured shoulder. Stretching the shoulder also helpsdegeneration. Doing this exercise, may cause
decrease your risk of injury, but also increases rangedeveloping tendinitis.
of motion. The right form must be used on someHere is a good routine to add to your normal exercise
exercises to prevent cuff injury.at least 3 times per week.
Even if only 1 shoulder is injured, you should still work3 sets of 12 reps Cuban Rotations
BOTH shoulders. By building strength in the healthy3 sets of 12 reps "L" Flyes
shoulder, you reduce the risk of an injury. We want to3 sets of 12 reps Internal Rotators
make sure you build balanced strength across theHere are some final notes on these exercises. Build up
body. There is evidence of training a healthy muscle onyour strength slowly on these exercises. Start with a
one side of the body will positively affect thevery light weight and gradually increase. These
corresponding muscle on the other side.exercise should be added to your workouts 3 times
Lets talk about some common exercises that couldper week. They can be performed as a warm up for
cause a problem on the shoulder.your workouts.
Side Delt Flyes