How to Rehabilitate a Rotator Cuff Injury

The shoulder is a most complicated joint. There are many tendons and muscles that form to allow the shoulder to rotate. The blending of four of these tendons and muscles make up the rotator cuff. Injury to the rotator cuff needs to be rehabilitated in order to return the joint to its maximum health. Here's how best to rehabilitate after a rotator cuff injury.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce any inflammation in the rotator cuff. Use oral anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) or get ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

• 2

  Spend 4 to 6 weeks doing passive range of motion (ROM) exercises only. These are simple movements of the shoulder such as raising your arm straight up over your head until your inner arm touches your ear and extending your arm out straight to the side and bringing it up over your head.

• 3

  Increase flexibility of the shoulder joint. Do gentle stretching exercises such as clasping your hands behind your back and raising them behind you as high as you can. Flexibility is the key to both rehabilitating and preventing rotator cuff injuries.

• 4

  Strengthen the rotator cuff. This may involve exercises you wouldn't ordinarily see in a gym. For instance, lie prone on your side and hold a weight out with your arm you are lying on, your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Grasp a light weight in your hand and slowly raise your hand until your forearm is against your chest. Repeat for 10 to 12 repetitions.

• 5

  Return to normal activities within 3 to 6 months. Continue to perform strength-building and flexibility exercises to reduce the chance of re-injury. Swimming and weight exercises like seated press-ups will help to achieve this goal.