Rotator cuff and core

Silpeanut

Hi there , I was just hoping I could get some suggestions for core exercises I can do while healing from a torn rotator cuff. Thanks in advance!

Cheesy567

Consider some Pilates. There's an older video series by Maury Windsor (sp?), she does a good job teaching modifications to accommodate focal areas of weakness and pain.

gyangaurav

Well it actually depends how many weeks post-op you are, how much your healing is progressed, what your restrictions are and how painful your arm is?

Additionally, with core exercises be careful of shoulder weightbearing exercises such as planks. Do them only if your surgical physician has cleared you. Crunches are a good core exercise but again watch the use of your hands. If you can't put your hands overhead (like behind your head) then just keep them on your chest.

I am not an expert on Pilates but from the few things I have seen it still involves some shoulder weightbearing activities so pick and choose your exercises. It might be beneficial to actually make a list of exercises and go to your physical therapist (assuming you had one after surgery) or surgical physician to get it cleared.

Hopefully this helped!
Good luck and hopefully your surgery heals fast.

lkpducky

Have you been prescribed any physical therapy while you heal? the physical therapist would be best at giving you the right exercises for you.

mulecanter

In addition to crunches, perhaps use a leg press machine to work quads and gluts. Something that doesn't require lifting weight plates, etc.

gyangaurav

I just read your OP again and I realized that you never said you had surgery (I kinda assumed. My apologies) if you just have a tear in that case more details are needed such as partial or full tear? What motions are restricted etc. I would advise you to follow @ikpducky's advice and go see a PT as they can prevent you from further injuring the shoulder in the long run and preventing surgery requirement.

I would keep this in mind when your exercising if your having muscle soreness ( that goes away in 24 hours) that's okay to have and is a normal response to exercise. But if you have sharp shooting pain, long lasting muscles soreness (more than 24-30 hours), throbbing pain, pain radiating down to your arms etc stop exercising and seek a professional health practitioners help.

Good luck! And speedy recovery!

dwaterfield

I would echo the others - talk to your PT. I assume you're already doing therapy as part of your recovery. I never met a PT who minded adding exercises.

Above all, be careful. As I'm sure you've found out, you don't realize how many simple body motions involve the shoulder until you have something like this surgery. Start slow and pay attention to what your body is telling you. You don't want to go through that surgery again!

lorrpb

lkpducky wrote: »

Have you been prescribed any physical therapy while you heal? the physical therapist would be best at giving you the right exercises for you.

^^^THIS