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Shoulder Injuries (Rotator Cuff)

Shoulder Injuries (Rotator cuff)

Shoulder injuries are very common in many areas throughout physical activity, they are particularly common in swimming, shoulder workouts and other overhead activities (Javelin etc). These injuries can be irritating and debilitating as well as enforcing prolonged stints on the sideline. The most common shoulder injury is the rotator cuff injury. The shoulder joint allows the most range of movement of any joint in the body, thus it being a ball and socket. The rotator cuff supplies the shoulder with connection, protection and mobility of the joint, these actions are performed by the SITS complex (Subscapularis, infraspinatus, teres minor and supraspinatus). The rotator cuff monitors and allows the following movements:

• Internal/ External Rotation of arm.
• Stabilise Humerus.
• Allow arm be horizontally abducted to 180°.

There are a range of injuries that can affect the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, a typical tear is normally categorised as an acute injury, thus not from overuse or repetitive loading. There are certain injuries that can occur, all being the result of overuse (generally in rotator cuff). Impingement of the supraspinatus becomes apparent from forward and internal rotation of the arm, this is common in swimming and the end of throwing phase. This results in tenderness and inflammation of this tendon, which, in addition to being uncomfortable and painful, will also result in decreased performance if still competing. The increased range of movement in the shoulder joint also results in decreased shoulder stability, which is the basis of many other injuries.

Rotator cuff injuries can be divided into three phases, they are as follows

• 1. In overhead athletes such as swimmers, small muscles are susceptible to fatigue early or even absence altogether. This is usually treated with rest.
• 2. Mainly in 25-40 years old, tendons have become over used and are inflamed and thickened. Aching increases. Physio may be needed as well rehabilitation exercises and even cortisone injections.
• 3. Increase with age, most predominant after 40. Overuse and ageing process are the major factors affecting stage 3. This stage would almost indefinitely lead to surgical procedures.

In order to decrease the occurrence/susceptibility of these injuries, maintain strong shoulders and rotator cuff joints some of the following steps should be followed. Research indicates that the ‘full can' exercise is the most important exercise found to date. One researcher actually suggested that " knowing which shoulder stretches not to do is more important then doing any at all". In relation to this the following is a list of exercises which should be used. Obviously these activities wont halt the age affect but they cant certainly slow it down.

All these exercises are to be done with the assistance of resistance tubing (Unless otherwise stated). All exercises should be done 30 times on each arm:

If these exercises are performed correctly and frequently they should increase should stability and strength will also increase. This will lead to a decrease in the prevalence of shoulder injuries such as ones mentioned above and also other common ones.

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