Progressive Rehabilitation Exercises for Rotator Cuff Strain Flashcards
What are the primary goals of the early stage (acute phase) of rehabilitation for rotator cuff strain?
1 - Reduce Pain and Inflammation: Employ techniques and exercises to minimize discomfort and swelling in the shoulder.
2 - Maintain Range of Motion: Engage in gentle movements to preserve mobility in the shoulder joint.
3 - Initiate Gentle Strengthening: Start strengthening the rotator cuff muscles without stressing the joint.
What is the purpose of isometric external rotation in the early stage?
Strengthen Rotator Cuff: This exercise targets the rotator cuff muscles without causing joint movement, helping to build strength in a safe manner.
What is the purpose of isometric abduction in the early stage?
Initiate Abduction Strength: This exercise helps start strengthening the muscles responsible for shoulder abduction without moving the arm.
How do you perform isometric external rotation?
1 - Stand with your elbow bent at 90 degrees and close to your side.
2 - Press the back of your hand against a wall or door frame.
3 - Hold the position without moving your arm for several seconds.
How do you perform isometric abduction?
1 - Stand with your arm at your side and elbow bent at 90 degrees.
2 - Push the outside of your arm against a wall or door frame.
3 - Hold the position without moving your arm for several seconds.
What are the primary goals of the mid stage (subacute phase) of rehabilitation for rotator cuff strain?
1 - Improve Range of Motion: Focus on restoring shoulder mobility through specific exercises.
2 - Increase Strength: Begin incorporating resistance to strengthen the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles.
3 - Restore Functional Movements: Enable a return to more normal movement patterns in daily activities.
What is the purpose of standing external rotation with a resistance band?
Strengthen External Rotators: This exercise targets the external rotator muscles, increasing strength and stability in the shoulder joint.
How do you perform standing external rotation with a resistance band?
1 - Attach a resistance band to a stable object at waist height.
2 - Hold the band with your elbow bent at 90 degrees and close to your side.
3 - Rotate your forearm outward against the resistance of the band, then return to the starting position.
What is the purpose of scaption (scapular plane elevation) in the mid stage?
Strengthen Shoulder Abduction and Scapular Control: This exercise helps improve strength in the shoulder muscles while promoting proper scapular movement.
How do you perform scaption?
1 - Stand with your arms at your sides and thumbs pointing up.
2 - Lift your arms in a V-shape (about 30-45 degrees forward from your body) to shoulder height.
3 - Slowly lower your arms back down to the starting position.
What are the primary goals of the late stage (chronic phase/return to sport) of rehabilitation for rotator cuff strain?
1 - Restore Full Strength: Focus on regaining strength comparable to the uninjured shoulder.
2 - Improve Endurance: Enhance the muscle’s ability to perform sustained activities.
3 - Enhance Sports-Specific Movements: Prepare the shoulder for specific demands of the sport or activity.
What is the purpose of standing dumbbell shoulder abduction in the late stage?
Strengthen Abduction: This exercise targets the shoulder muscles responsible for lifting the arm sideways, which is crucial for many athletic movements.
How do you perform standing dumbbell shoulder abduction?
1 - Hold a light dumbbell in each hand with your arms at your sides.
2 - Lift your arms sideways to shoulder height.
3 - Slowly lower them back down to the starting position.
What is the purpose of external rotation at 90 degrees abduction in the late stage?
Strengthen External Rotators in a Functional Position: This exercise targets the rotator cuff in a position that mimics functional movements, enhancing strength and stability.
How do you perform external rotation at 90 degrees abduction?
1 - Hold a light dumbbell or resistance band.
2 - Start with your arm abducted to 90 degrees and elbow bent at 90 degrees.
3 - Rotate your forearm backward, then return to the starting position.
