April 10, 2005

Arthur J Preslar III, MD

Coastal Orthopedic Associates

Rotator Cuff Stretching Exercises are an Absolutely Essential Part of Improving Shoulder Pain.

Stretching exercises are designed to stretch the posterior capsule and increase the mobility of the shoulder blade.

Remember, it has taken you years to get this tight, so it will take time to loosen up! Limit or avoid activities that aggravate the shoulder pain while you are rehabilitating the shoulder. Judi-cious use of anti-inflammatory medicines can speed your recov-ery. Use heat before activity, and Ice after activity.

Stretching exercises should be done several times a day. Do them first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and before any sports activity. It can help to do them after a warm-up such as a hot shower or some light exer-cise. Hold each stretch for a count of 15. Go through the entire series for both shoulders once, then repeat. Do not “bounce”, and do NOT stretch to the point of causing pain.

Special Point of Interest:

80% of People with

Bursitis and Impinge-

ment can improve with

Conservative Treat-

ment!!

Rotator Cuff Stretching Exercises

Stretching the Scapular Rotators

Shoulder Anatomy

Arthur J Preslar III, MD

Rotator Cuff Anatomy

Rotator Cuff Tears

Normal Rotator Cuff

Rotator Cuff Repair

Coastal Orthopedic Associates Arthur J. Preslar III, MD

Internal & External Rotators

Rotator Cuff Strengthening Exercises Arthur J Preslar III, MD

Coastal Orthopedic Associates

Do these strengthening exercises once a day. Start with a 1 lb weight and gradually work towards 5-7 lbs. You may find that you can use more weight for certain exercises (ex. internal rotation) than others (ex. external rotation). Do NOT cause pain while doing the exer-cises. Do 10—20 repetitions of each exercise. VERY SLOW repeti-tions are a good way to use less weight, and strengthen muscles more!

Guidelines for Strengthening

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