The appropriate exercises for a torn rotator cuff will vary from individual to indidual, depending upon the nature of the injury, its state of healing and the necessity of function. All exercises for this type of injury, though, serve the purpose of strengthening and stretching your shoulder blade and rotator cuff muscles to increase shoulder stability and help improve your level of everyday functioning. Check with your doctor first, since not all exercises may help you.
Facts
Your shoulder is a socket and ball joint that offers a large range of mobility when it operates properly. A number of bones make up your shoulder including the shoulder blade or scapula, the upper arm bone or humerus and your shoulder blade or scapula. Your rotator cuff is made up of four muscle tendons that help keep your humerus secure within your shoulder socket by attaching your scapula to your humerus. A torn rotator cuff can result in the humerus coming out of the socket, loss of motion, shoulder instability, pain, nerve damage and heightened risks of further injury.
Muscle Contractions
Some exercises for a torn rotator cuff can include isometrics during the initial stages of recuperation. Isometrics involve strengthening muscles through contractions without placing additional pressure upon any healing tissues. Do a wall isometric exercise by standing with your back against the wall. Place your affected arm against the wall with your palm touching the wall. Slowly and gently push your arm against the wall, while keeping your elbow straight. Hold this pressure for five seconds. Release the tension and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Initial Flexing
Flexibility, also known as range of motion, are typically the first exercises done during injury recuperation from a torn rotator cuff, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Beginners will require assistance in order to perform these exercises. Assistive maneuvers help stretch your affected shoulder muscles since your muscles will lack enough performance strength. Either sit or stand for this stretching exercise. Gently use your uninjured-side hand to grab a hold of your injured-side wrist. Slowly and gently lift your injured arm over your head while keeping your elbows straight. Hold this stretch for three seconds. Return your arms to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Finger Walking
Another rehabilitative maneuver involves doing a wall or door walk. Stand facing a wall or door. Lift your injured arm and place your hand against the surface, palm open and touching the surface. Slowly and gently start walking up the surface using your fingers. Walk as far as possible. Hold for 10 seconds when you have walked as far as possible. Slowly return your arm to your sides. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times.
