Exercises to Avoid With a Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator cuff injuries are common types of injuries affecting the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is a term used to refer to the four main muscle groups and their tendon attachments that make up the bulk of the shoulder joint girdle. Rotator cuff injuries require diligent management and care to heal properly.

Bench Press

• The bench press places a large amount of strain on the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder joint and should be avoided by anyone with a rotator cuff injury.

Shoulder Press

• The shoulder press targets and severely stresses the muscles of the shoulder joint, more so than any other type of weight-lifting maneuver.

Decline Bench Press

• Similar to the bench press, the decline bench press, which targets the muscles of the lower chest, places a significant amount of stress and loading on the shoulder muscles.

Incline Bench Press

• The incline bench press targets the shoulder muscles to a greater degree than any other type of bench press. A tremendous amount of shoulder muscle action is required to hoist, lift and lower the bar during the exercise.

Military Press

• An intense weight-lifting exercise that involves hoisting a weighted bar on the ground and lifting it directly over the head, the military press places tremendous strain on the shoulder joint muscles.