| Rotator cuff exercises are something that a lot of | | | | any of these tests, just let go and allow the weakness |
| people are looking for. The number of searches was | | | | to show. |
| surprising. But, what do these searchers really want? | | | | Keep your elbow straight through out all four of these |
| Obviously, they have something going on with their | | | | tests. Bending the arm allows other muscles to engage |
| shoulder. Perhaps they have an injury or some | | | | which won't allow you to know the true strength of |
| shoulder pain. Whatever the case, they want | | | | your rotator cuff muscles. Lie on your back with your |
| something to help strengthen their shoulder and | | | | arm extended up over your shoulder palm towards |
| possible help them with pain. | | | | your feet. Have your friend attempt to pull your arm |
| The rotator cuff muscles are four muscles that hold | | | | down to your side while you resist. Then have them |
| the shoulder together. The shoulder bones are not | | | | push your arm overhead while you try to keep them |
| connected to the skeleton except by muscles. These | | | | from doing that. Your friend's other hand is on your hip |
| muscles give strength to the shoulder in four directions. | | | | to stabilize you while doing these two tests. |
| If you hold your arm out in front of you, the muscles of | | | | In these next two tests, your friend will push your arm |
| the rotator cuff give you the strength to move your | | | | out to the same side as the arm you have overhead. |
| arm down and up. If you rotate your arm so the palm | | | | The first test is with your palm facing out, the second |
| is in or out, two of these muscles give you strength to | | | | is with the palm facing in. So, if they are testing your |
| push inward. | | | | right arm, they push your arm to the right. It helps if |
| It is really easy to test the strength of these four | | | | your friend has their other hand on your opposite |
| muscles with the help of a friend. If you have worked | | | | shoulder to stabilize you while doing these two tests. It |
| your shoulders, and think they are strong, you may be | | | | doesn't matter if you have done lots of rotator cuff |
| in for a surprise. Be careful while doing these tests. | | | | exercises or not, you probably don't have much |
| Pain is weakness in this case, so if it hurts while doing | | | | strength in any of these four tests. |