health alternative blog

Exercises To Improve Rotator Cuff Strength

When it comes to injuries that can really affect every part of your life, rotator cuff injuries are right there at the top of the list. Such injuries result in intense pain every time you lift your arm to do even the simplest of daily tasks. You want to do everything you can to avoid such an injury-and one way of helping prevent rotator cuff injuries is to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles with specific exercises you can easily incorporate into your daily workout.

These exercises are not complicated to perform and they are not strenuous either. Usually, they can be performed with minimal effort using light weights and high repetitions at first prior to moving on to more complicated and challenging workouts. For those curious as to what type of exercises for rotator cuff strength deliver the most effective results, here are a few:

Note: All of these exercises will focus on the joint connecting the shoulder and the arm. This is where the rotator cuff muscle group is located. All of these exercises will include the same basic form or position. Bend your elbow to form a 90 degree angle between your forearm and your upper arm. Rotate the hand to a palm up position. Hold a light dumbbell or weight in your hand to add additional strength. Then incorporate the specific body positioning for each exercise outlined below, maintaining this arm position.

External Rotator - Standing Position - Stand upright with your arms in the above-described position. Perform a moderate level of repetitions-perhaps 10 to start-and adjusting the number of repetitions to the current strength level and tolerance of your arm strength. You can increase the number of reps gradually as you progress in your rotator cuff strengthening regime. But don’t push too hard, as you don’t want to injure the area.

External Rotator - Seated Position - Have a seat on an exercise bench or other flat surface and keep a nice straight back and good posture. Then perform the very same exercise you just did while standing. This can be a little easier for those who have trouble standing for periods of time. Repeat slowly as tolerated.

External Rotator - Side Lying Position - Similar to the previous two exercises, you will actually be performing the exact same arm movements. The only difference is, this time you will lie on your side to do it. This changes your center of gravity and works different parts of the rotator cuff muscle group.

External Rotator - Knee Supported - For those who may have difficulty with the other exercises-or as an additional part of your rotator cuff strengthening workout, perform the exercise described above yet again. Only this time sit on the floor with your knee bent in front of you, foot flat on the floor. Rest your elbow on your knee. Then begin. Again, this changes gravity a bit and works another part of the muscle group. It may also be easier for some people to perform than the other versions. Complete 10 reps or so, depending on your ability.

Tom Nicholson has spent years helping carpal tunnel sufferers. You can follow this link to find out more about someexercises for rotator cuff.