Rotator Cuff Surgery Part#4

Part #4 to our series. This is where David is at the present time.

The decision to do the surgery - done, reattachment of the Supraspinatus - done, lots of rest and time off work - done, stretching exercises - done. Now it's time to start working out again. With light weights and resistance of course, but David has to start somewhere.

YHH is going to share with you more photos of the workout David is allowed to do. We continue to post these articles, as we have heard from many who this has helped make the decision if they should go through with the surgery or not.

By attaching a therapy band to a door knob (or in our case, the eliptical) David holds his arm out straight and with a slow fluid motion, pulls down.

The next move is with weights, finally. David can now do a light incline bench press. He only works the left side. He is starting with five pounds and will slowly work his way back up.

Another therapy band move is with the resistance going out and away from the "trunk of the body" (distal move). This is a great exercise even if you haven't had surgery. Working the rotator cuff is always a good idea, even with light weight, to avoid injury in the future.

The next move is with resistance also, moving toward the "middle" of the body (medial move). On both of these moves, keep your elbow close to your center, holding your core tight.

With the next move, hold the therapy band with both hands, at a length where your elbows are resting at your sides.

Slowly rotate your arms away (distal move) from the center of your body. This again is a great exercise move even if you are not in recovery mode. Never forget to work the Rotator Cuff muscles or they will fall behind in growth and strength and you will cause injury.

We suggest continued attention to this area. Most people will workout for years and never give a workout to this part of their shoulder. Even if you are dropping your weights down and using this as part of your cool down, at least your Rotator Cuff muscles will not be ignored and will thank you for it in the future.