| Rotator cuff exercises are an important component in | | | | perform repetitive type motions in their jobs or do |
| the rehabilitation of shoulder joint pain. It is safe to say | | | | overhead work often can develop problems as well. |
| that most problems that cause pain in the shoulder will | | | | Rotator cuff exercises are important to perform if you |
| typically be treated with these types of exercises. This | | | | are an athlete or involved in an occupation that |
| article will present information regarding the rotator cuff | | | | involves repetitive motion of the shoulder or overhead |
| and the importance of exercising to strengthen these | | | | activities (i.e. carpenter, auto mechanic, etc). If you do |
| muscles. | | | | not have a shoulder problem then you can perform |
| The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles found in the | | | | these exercises as a preventative measure to avoid |
| shoulder joint. These muscles consist of the | | | | injury. If you do have a shoulder problem these |
| supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and | | | | exercises can be helpful in the rehabilitation process. |
| subscapularis. They act to stabilize the ball of the | | | | Working this muscle group when you do not have |
| shoulder in the socket. These muscles are small and | | | | shoulder joint pain is relatively easy. Always start with |
| therefore are prone to injury. | | | | a light weight (less than 5 pounds). There is no use in |
| It is important to understand that these particular | | | | overdoing it when trying to strengthen the cuff as |
| muscles come into play with various shoulder motions, | | | | working them too hard could result in injury. It is always |
| especially overhead reaching, rotating your hand | | | | best to do less than more in this case. |
| across or away from your stomach or placing your | | | | It is recommended that if you are experiencing |
| hand behind your back. Athletes are prone to injury | | | | prolonged shoulder joint pain that you consult your |
| here because of the high impact and stress the | | | | physician before starting any exercise program. A |
| rotator cuff muscles are subjected to especially | | | | proper diagnosis can be helpful in determining what |
| throwing athletes. You don't have to be an athlete to | | | | should be done to alleviate your pain, including what |
| experience an injury to these muscles. People that | | | | type of exercises you should do. |