Rotator cuff and shoulder conditioning program
This shoulder conditioning program should be continued for 4 to 6 weeks, unless otherwise specified by your doctor or physical therapist. After your recovery, these exercises can be continued as a maintenance program for lifelong protection and health of your shoulders. Performing the exercises two to three days a week will maintain strength and range of motion in your shoulders.
This is a general conditioning program that provides a wide range of exercises. To ensure that the program is safe and effective for you, it should be performed under your doctor’s supervision. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which exercises will best help you meet your rehabilitation goals.
Strength
Strengthening the muscles that support your shoulder will help keep your shoulder joint stable. Keeping these muscles strong can relieve shoulder pain and prevent further injury.
Flexibility
Stretching the muscles that you strengthen is important for restoring range of motion and preventing injury. Gently stretching after strengthening exercises can help reduce muscle soreness and keep your muscles long and flexible.
Target Muscles
The muscle groups targeted in this conditioning program include:
• Deltoids (front, back and over the shoulder)
• Trapezius muscles (upper back)
• Rhomboid muscles (upper back)
• Teres muscles (supporting the shoulder joint)
• Supraspinatus (supporting the shoulder joint)
• Infraspinatus (supporting the shoulder joint)
• Subscapularis (front of shoulder)
• Biceps (front of upper arm)
• Triceps (back of upper arm)
Source Rehabilitation Exercise and Conditioning Handouts in American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons AAOS