Your rotator cuff muscles cover your shoulder joint. These muscles provide joint stability and allow your shoulder to rotate in different directions. Injuries to your rotator cuff muscles may require surgery and physical therapy to help you regain your range of motion and strength. The type of rotator cuff injury you suffered will help determine your physical therapy and rotator cuff strengthening plan.
Considerations
Follow you doctor and physical therapist's instructions as you do physical therapy for your rotator cuff muscles. Failure to do so could cause additional injuries and increase your recovery time. Depending on your injury, your physical therapy exercises will be divided into phases and you should only move to the next phase when directed by your care provider. Stretching and range of motion exercises are typically done in the beginning stages of physical therapy. After a few weeks, strengthening exercises can be included.
External Rotation
External rotation of your shoulder is an exercise to strengthen your rotator cuff muscles and should be done when instructed by your physical therapist. Begin this exercise by lying on your side with your arm closest to the floor extended above your head. Your arm closest to the ceiling should be bent at your elbow to 90 degrees, allowing your forearm to rest on your chest. With a light dumbbell in hand, rotate your shoulder out by raising your forearm off your chest until it is level with your shoulder. Lower slowly and repeat as directed. This exercise should also be repeated with your other shoulder.
Internal Rotation
Internal rotation is another exercise that you may do as part your physical therapy to strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. Begin this exercise by lying on your side with your arm closest to the ceiling resting at your side. Your arm closest to the floor should be bent to 90 degrees at your elbow so that your arm is resting on the floor or table. With a light dumbbell in your hand closest to the floor, rotate your shoulder inward by raising your forearm to your chest. Repeat as directed and repeat this exercise with your other shoulder.
Horizontal Rotation
As your shoulder strength increases, your physical therapist may also include horizontal rotation exercises as part of your exercise plan. This exercise is done by standing with your elbows bent to 90 degrees and level with your shoulders. With a dumbbell or other type of resistance in your hands, rotate your shoulders towards the ceiling. Return to the starting position and repeat as instructed.
