resistance training

Are you currently experiencing pain in your shoulder? If you do, its possible that you have torn your rotator cuff. There are a number of things that cause this area of the shoulder to tear. People that lead very active lives and take part in sports are at a higher risk for this sort of injury. While it’s certainly true that rotator cuff injuries can serious limit the arms movement, it’s not difficult to reverse the problem. There are specific exercises for rotator cuff injuries that will increase the range of motion, restore strength, and increase the endurance in the arm.

While we usually look at shoulder exercises as the exercises that involve free weights (dumbbell shoulder raises), or the ones that use the body weight (wide grip pushups), the stretching exercises for rotator cuff injuries are considered to be great exercises for the shoulders. This is particularly true for individuals that are suffering with an injury. Stretching exercises will slowly develop extra strength in the area of the rotator cuff and set the stage for the body to successfully perform more complex exercises later on. Stretches are normally done in a mild and light manner because harsher stretches can further aggravate an injury. When you start doing these shoulder stretches, be sure not to overdo it. Doing too much too soon will not bring faster results.

The most common exercises that develop rotator cuff strength will usually involve bending the arm at the elbow in a 90 degree angle, raising it upwards, and lowering it as it remains bent. If you are new to this kind of exercise, don’t add any weight to the routine. You will be able to develop the needed strength by just performing the range of motion. Repeat these exercises as many times as needed for the body to get used to the movement. Even with no weight added, you will be able to improve the shoulders condition and get the body ready for rotator cuff exercises that use progressive resistance.

When the time comes to add progressive resistance to the rotator cuff exercises, you don’t have to exclusively use free weights. It’s a good idea to start with elastic bands which are considered to be common tools for use with exercises for rotator cuff injuries. Once you have developed additional strength with the elastic bands, you will be able to start using free weights.

The amount of weight your use with dumbbell exercises for rotator cuff injuries will vary depending upon your current strength levels. However, it is most definitely advisable that those suffering from an injury should not pack on a lot of excess weight. Light cardio dumbbells would be a good start as would lifting the weights at moderate to high numbers of repetitions. Of course, if you feel any strain or pain, discontinue the performance of the exercise immediately.

The exercises that are good for rotator cuff injuries are not nearly as complex as many people assume. The exercises should be started with a very light level of stress and the intensity should gradually be increased. By starting on a slow path, you will be able to reduce potentially aggravating the injury while greatly increasing the potential for successfully healing the problem.

Tom Nicholson spends his time helping carpal tunnel sufferers. Please follow this link to find out more about some exercises for rotator cuff.

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