Blog

I am now in the final phase of recovery from rotator cuff tendon repair. This has been a long and often painful process. It has highlighted the importance of looking after these often neglected muscles.

Many people (myself included) focus their shoulder training around the superficial deltoids. The rehabilitation protocols I followed post surgery have changed the way I will approach shoulder training in future.

This experience will also shape the way Iook at shoulder exercises with my clients, especially those in the high risk groups (male/40+/overhead sports).

Looking at the Rotator Cuff Muscles as the foundation of the shoulder joint. Putting more emphasis on building strong/stable footings for the shoulders to sit on.

This injury has also given me more understanding of the warning signs that the rotator may not be happy.

Even with clients who have no shoulder issues, I will pay more attention to preventing potential problems.

Ultimately, some Rotator Cuff tears are unavoidable, resulting from trauma or degeneration of the tendons. My surgeon informed me that a reasonably high percentage of the general population are walking round with small undiagnosed Rotator Cuff tears.

The best way to minimise your risk of injury or recover from one is to keep the shoulder supple and the rotator cuff muscles/tendons strong. Both of these I will focus more in my own and my clients training.

Simon