| Unfortunately the shoulder pain has not subsided on it's | | | | more mobility and increased circulation are some of |
| own. You find out there is a tear in your rotator cuff. | | | | the benefits of stretching. Anything you can do to |
| OK, what are your options? Can you heal your | | | | improve blood flow to the area (stretching, massage, |
| shoulder without surgery or other intrusive methods? | | | | heat, etc.) will speed up the healing process. |
| This article is not intended to replace professional | | | | Proper rotator cuff exercises are carefully designed to |
| medical advise but the short answer is, yes, in some | | | | mimic the way the shoulder joint moves, slowly healing |
| cases a torn rotator cuff can heal if proper rotator | | | | the injury. |
| cuff strengthening is approached in a progressive and | | | | The best physical therapy program in the world is still |
| patient manner. | | | | no guarantee of success. It's up to you to stay |
| Stressful repetitive motions, especially overhand | | | | focused and work consistently. It's very possible it |
| motions, can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff | | | | could take up to a year to get full use of your shoulder |
| muscles. This inflammation may lead to a tear if the | | | | back. Properly done rotator rehab has the potential to |
| stressful movements don't stop. A sudden fall where | | | | help you regain full use of your shoulder but only if you |
| you catch yourself with an outstretched hand is also a | | | | stick with it. Patience and perseverance are key |
| common cause. | | | | factors. |
| Any rotator cuff strengthening must be done with | | | | Use common sense and avoid the temptation to start |
| patience and care not to aggravate the delicate | | | | performing exercises without the proper guidance. The |
| muscles or else you may make the injury worse. | | | | rotator cuff is a sensitive area and healing must be |
| When learning new exercises, it's important to | | | | approached in a very specific way. There is not a lot |
| understand the proper form. Make sure you consult | | | | of margin for error and you could easily make your |
| with a medical professional before starting any rotator | | | | injury worse. You stand a much great chance of |
| cuff exercise program. | | | | healing your shoulder if you follow an intelligent rotator |
| It's also important to add stretching along with any | | | | cuff strengthening program designed by a physical |
| strengthening exercises. Greater range of motion, | | | | therapist who specializes in these types of injuries. |