-Welcome Guide for Patients-

Brandon Togneri

Rotator Cuff ShoulderRehabilitation

So you injured your Rotator Cuff

What to Expect

• Event that caused onset of symptoms

• Anterior/Lateral Shoulder Pain• Possible Frozen Shoulder• Deficiency in Range of Motion• Increased pain while sleeping• Arm weakness

Trigger Events

• An action that may have lead to onset of symptoms

• Using arm to break your fall• Pulling an object that is too

heavy• Lifting something above

your head improperly

• Repetitive Stresses– Manual Labor– Racquet Sports– Throwing Sports– Swimming– Impact Sports

• Bone deformations

Shoulder Pain

• Often caused by tendonitis, bursitis, or tears

• Any type of inflammation will create grinding and painful frictional forces throughout these areas

Frozen Shoulder• Known as Adhesive Capsulitis

• Caused when the joint capsule becomes immobile by shrinkage or thickening or of the joint capsule itself

• Due to scarring, inflammation, tendonitis, bursitis, or even arthritis

Range of Motion

• A decrease in range of motion should be expected– Especially in abduction– Difficulty doing overhead

activities is a sign of injured Rotator Cuff

– Inability to lift arm above a certain point may mean a torn Rotator Cuff

Rehabilitation

• Rehab can improve strength, mobility, and reduce pain

• Rehab will most likely last 4-6 weeks, if not longer

• Surgery may be an option if damage is too severe

• Home exercise program is key to success

Program

• Will begin with a 5-10 minute warm up

• Your personalized rehabilitation program will most likely contain several of the key stretches and exercises in the following sizes

• Can end with ice, heat, and electrical stimulation depending on pain level and discomfort

Exercise Protocol

• Overall exercises will be prescribed and advanced by an educated, accredited and licensed physical therapist

• Following their cues, advice, and instructions will increase one’s odds of recovery

Anatomy of Rotator Cuff• This can be remembered by SITS

– Supraspinatus– Infraspinatus– Teres Minor– Subscapularis

• A Rotator Cuff Injury can occur at any one or all of these muscles

• You may choose to learn about the muscle you’ve injured

Supraspinatus

• Originates from the Supraspinous Fossa, A shallow depression in the body of the scapular

• Inserted into Superior Facet of the Greater Tubercle

Action• This muscle abducts the arm

at the shoulder joint during the first 10°-15° of movement

• Aids in Shoulder Stabilization by pulling Humerus medially against the Glenoid Fossa

Strengthening the Supraspinatus

• Pendulums

• Trap Fly

Infraspinatus

• Originates from the Infraspinous Fossa of the scapula

• Inserted into Middle Facet of the Greater Tubercle

• Reinforces the shoulder joint capsule

Action• This muscle is the main

external rotator of the shoulder

• In a fixed position it abducts the inferior angle of the scapula

• With the teres minor, rotate the head of the humerus outwards

Strengthening The Infraspinatus

• Pendulums

• Upper Ext Rotation

• External Rotation

Teres Minor

• Originates from the lateral boarder of the scapula

• Inserted into inferior facet of the greater tubercle

• Reinforces the shoulder joint capsule

Action• Hold and stabilize the

humeral head in the glenoid cavity of the scapula

• Externally rotate the humerus, transverse abduction, extension, and transverse extension

Strengthening the Teres Minor

• Horizontal Abduction

• Laying External Rotation

• Sleeper Stretch

Subscapularis

• Originates from the Subscapular Fossa

• Inserted into the lesser tubercle of the humerus

Action• This muscle causes internal

rotation, rotates head of humerus laterally

• When raised, pulls the humerus forward and downward

• Helps prevent shoulder displacement

Strengthening the Subscapularis

• Internal Rotation

• Int/Ext Rotation Stretch

• Passive Int Rotation

Enjoy

• Best of luck to you• Follow your program

closely and take care of yourself

• Stick with your program and achieve your Victory!