10 Benefits to Shoulder Rotator Cuff Strengthening

09 Oct 10 Benefits to Shoulder Rotator Cuff Strengthening

1. Supraspinatus has a short level arm and biomechanically its force presses the humeral head against the glenoid cavity improving stability and integrity
2. The rotator cuff muscles act together to centre the humeral head reducing superior humeral head migration which can contribute to subacromial bursitits
3. In the presence of a partial supraspinatus tear, rotator cuff drills can strengthen the adjacent infraspinatus and subscapularis and compensate for loss of supraspinatus function
4. Correcting rotator cuff imbalances can reduce accessory translational glide of the humeral head and reduce the deterioration of OA changes of time and contain chronic rotator cuff pathology
5. Rotator cuff exercises can be performed in low functional position and thus can be a sound first step in conditioning
6. Rotator cuff drills are considered first option for management of rotator cuff disease and partial rotator cuff tears.  Leading shoulder specialists concur that there is a good reasoning to adopt a size week trial of conservative management
7. Rotator cuff exercises are an important pre-surgical conditioning phase of shoulder management.  Pre-operative function is therefore optimised
8. Rotator cuff exercises are an integral component of rehabilitation for shoulder instability including anterior-inferior dislocation.  It is common in this instance, the subscapularis is biased in rehab.
9. Rotator cuff exercises address atrophy and muscle inhibition following disuse/pain of the shoulder
10. Rotator cuff exercises are incorporated with other scapular/neck/thoracic exercises to reduce neck pain and postural pain by providing a stable and functional base of support.