Supraspinatus Rehab Exercises

According to SportsInjuryClinic.net, the supraspinatus is a muscle that runs along the top of the shoulder blade and inserts via the tendon at the top of the arm (humerus bone). Because of its anatomical position within the body, exercises similar to those used in rehabilitation of the shoulder can also be used when treating an injured supraspinatus muscle or tendon.

Initial Exercises

• Depending on the severity of the condition, patients should use extreme caution when first starting an exercise program aimed at the rehabilitation of a supraspinatus injury. Lifting the arm on the affected straight to the side (commonly known as abduction) can be very uncomfortable and painful for the patient, therefore any exercises requiring this motion should be avoided to start. According to SportsInjuryClinic.net, patients should only focus on flexion and extension exercises at first while combining both ice and heat therapy before and after treatment. Any use of weights or resistance at this time should only be used under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

Intermediate Exercises

• Once patients are able to perform most exercises with minimal discomfort, the introduction of weight or resistance can be beneficial for the continued strengthening of shoulder and neck muscles surrounding the affected area. According to SportFit.com, a helpful exercise while using weights consists of sitting in a chair with both arms at the patient's side, palms facing out. The patient should then slowly raise his or her arms to about 60 degrees while simultaneously internally rotating the forearms. This movement will focus specifically on the supraspinatus and shoulder capsule stabilizers critical to normal joint stability. Additional stretching maneuvers may be introduced at this time to help minimize joint and muscle stiffness.

Advanced Exercises

• In an effort to maintain strength and movement around the shoulder capsule and cervical vertebrae, patients may benefit from more advanced exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and overhead throwing motions (especially in the event that the patient is an athlete). While supraspinatus injuries can be common in highly active patients, proper care and continued strengthening in the muscle and tendon should help minimize the risk of repeat injury. As with any exercise program, prior consultation with a health care provider is highly recommended.