Rotator cuff exercises are the ultimate rotator cuff treatment. No matter what rotator cuff injury you have suffered exercises will play a huge part in your recovery.

I want to take a look at the various exercises and rotator cuff stretches.

Explain the importance of rotator cuff exercises not only in the healing process but also in preventing further injury.

Unless you are young, a sportsman or have suffered a large, acute rotator cuff tear, then exercises should be the first treatment option.

Surgery for some will remain the only option.

Even if surgery is being considered, exercises are often prescribed initially in an attempt to heal naturally. If surgery has been performed then the recovery protocol will be based upon progressive rotator exercises.

There is simply no getting away from this one basic fact. If you truly want to heal your rotator cuff injury, then exercises are vital.

This site is all about the various exercises available to you. I want to explain what your exercise treatment options are. Just look at the benefits of an exercise based solution

1. natural
2. healthy
3. low risk
4. cheap
5. no surgery
6. permanent cure

Importance of rotator cuff exercises

There is not one single rotator cuff problem that does not require exercises in its treatment. Just as significantly, cuff exercises will prevent injuries from either occurring or re occurring.

It is a fact that as we lead more sedentary lives the incidence of rotator cuff injury is increasing.

What is especially noticeable, however, is that people such as construction workers are in fact statistically less likely to develop rotator cuff problems.

Why is this? Because they exercise their rotator cuff muscles naturally everyday.

This is a hugely important point to understand and I can not emphasise it enough. If you are inactive problems will occur.

If you have had a problem and remain inactive you will not heal.

What are rotator cuff exercises?

Now for the really good news - these exercises are

1. simple
2. effective
3. low cost
4. available to all
5. safe
6. infinitely variable

Does that sound too good to be true? …………………….. Well it isn’t!  

Let’s look at each point on it’s own

Simple

Exercises can be done when you are standing up, sitting down or lying down. Can be done alone or assisted. Uses little or no weight – remember these are small muscles so no more than an absolute maximum of 3 or 4 pounds in weight.

Effective

Quite simply virtually every rotator cuff injury treatment either starts or ends with healthy exercises. Why?………………because they work.

Low cost

Maximum cost will involve the purchase of a couple of small barbells or some resistance bands. Use your imagination and you could easily save even on this tiny outlay.

Available to all

Can you sit in a chair and lift your arm? How about if you sit in a chair and have someone else lift your arm, could you manage that? If the answer is yes then you can do rotator cuff exercises.

Safe

Start with simple single plane movements and no weight or resistance. Gradually build up range of movement, weight / resistance, stop when tired, stop on pain – listen to your body.

Infinitely variable

Cuff exercises, rotator cuff stretches, pendulum swings, weights or no weights, resistance bands, isometric exercises, standing up, sitting down, throw a ball against a wall, play catch with the kids ………………………………. Use your imagination and make it fun!!

No matter what exercises you do, there are two products I highly recommend you get.

TheraBand resistance bands and Altus Athletic Dumbbell Set. The Theraband resistance bands are widely used for rehabilitation from muscle and joint injuries and for aerobics and general conditioning.

TheraBands are the only resistive exercise bands endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).  These wide latex bands come in different, color-coded resistance levels, distinguished by the thickness of the band.

The Altus Dumbbells are excellent multi purpose use dumbbells.  They handle very well, don't cause any damage to walls, floors and carpet and best of all always remain clean.  The surface makes it easy to wipe over with a wet towel to sanitize them.

You want to make sure you use the right kind of dumbells during your rehab and recovery or you will end up worsening your rotator cuff.  Get the Altus dumbbell set for the best price here.

Both these products are multi-purpose and can be used for countless different exercise routines.  I own a set of each and have been very pleased with them.