03-29-2010, 05:19 PM
Unfortunately the shoulder pain has not subsided on it's own. You discover that you have a rotator cuff injury. So what should you do? You may choose therapy (includes rotator cuff stretches and exercises), surgery, or perhaps both. Can your shoulder heal without needing an operation? The bottom line is yes, it is possible for your shoulder to heal naturally as long as rotator rehab is done properly and consistently. Of course you'll need to consult with your doctor before making this decision.
Any rotator cuff rehab exercises must be done with patience and care not to aggravate the delicate muscles or else you may make the injury worse. Make sure that any therapy exercises are only done with very low weights and higher reps. Each exercise should be performed with about 14-16 reps. As the shoulder gets stronger you can eventually progress to around 20 reps or so.
A good rotator cuff rehabilitation program should consist of both stretching and strengthening exercises. The benefits of proper stretching include improved circulation and increased mobility and range of motion. Very little blood flow reaches the rotator cuff, so anything you can do to improve circulation is very beneficial for speedy healing.
Proper rotator cuff exercises are carefully designed to mimic the way the shoulder joint moves, slowly healing the injury. Fortunately, good physical therapy programs are available that can get you on the road to recovery.
Keep in mind that success in healing your shoulder depend largely on your self discipline and your willingness to stick with the program. Depending on the severity of your injury, it could take many months or even a year to fully recover. Properly done rotator cuff therapy has the potential to help you regain full use of your shoulder.
Any rotator cuff rehab exercises must be done with patience and care not to aggravate the delicate muscles or else you may make the injury worse. Make sure that any therapy exercises are only done with very low weights and higher reps. Each exercise should be performed with about 14-16 reps. As the shoulder gets stronger you can eventually progress to around 20 reps or so.
A good rotator cuff rehabilitation program should consist of both stretching and strengthening exercises. The benefits of proper stretching include improved circulation and increased mobility and range of motion. Very little blood flow reaches the rotator cuff, so anything you can do to improve circulation is very beneficial for speedy healing.
Proper rotator cuff exercises are carefully designed to mimic the way the shoulder joint moves, slowly healing the injury. Fortunately, good physical therapy programs are available that can get you on the road to recovery.
Keep in mind that success in healing your shoulder depend largely on your self discipline and your willingness to stick with the program. Depending on the severity of your injury, it could take many months or even a year to fully recover. Properly done rotator cuff therapy has the potential to help you regain full use of your shoulder.