Alternative shoulder exercises

modmom1
modmom1 Posts: 210 Member
I am looking for some ideas to work the shoulders other than overhead presses and lateral/front raises. I'm dealing with a long time rotator cuff issue and every time I do those moves I experience a set back in recovery even if I go lightweight. No push ups or pull ups either for the time being.
Upright rows are great and I can do those pain free. Any other suggestions?

Replies

  • modmom1
    modmom1 Posts: 210 Member
    Thanks Amy. I haven't and I'm not sure that I could pain free. But on a good day I'll give it a safe try
  • MalcolmX1983
    MalcolmX1983 Posts: 214 Member
    edited May 2016
    modmom1 wrote: »
    I am looking for some ideas to work the shoulders other than overhead presses and lateral/front raises. I'm dealing with a long time rotator cuff issue and every time I do those moves I experience a set back in recovery even if I go lightweight. No push ups or pull ups either for the time being.
    Upright rows are great and I can do those pain free. Any other suggestions?


    Find out what's actually wrong with the shoulders or you might end up making the issue worse.

    My issue was my rear delts weren't being worked as much, so it lead to imbalanced muscles over time.
    Physio had me doing band pull aparts, face pulls and reverse flys.
    Issue was fixed within a few months.

  • guppy1697
    guppy1697 Posts: 148 Member
    Been dealing with a shoulder impingement myself. My biggest issue is being patient enough to wait long enough for the shoulder to completely heal before trying to get back at shoulder exercises. I end up re-aggravating my shoulder.
  • taco_inspector
    taco_inspector Posts: 7,223 Member
    -- for the rotator-cuff "issue", have you looked at caring for the 4 muscles and tendons forming the cuff? Generally, unless there is some mechanical defect, they can be strengthened and stretched using very light weight exercises (like sub 10-lb) -- I'm just 'thinking on the keys' here, but with proper care, you may be able to reduce the severity of your rotator issue and load up your delts a bit more. (as posted above, some of the dumbbell lofts can help to reduce impact to your sensitive cuff as they allow for alternate articulations of the joint)
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Landmine press
  • modmom1
    modmom1 Posts: 210 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    Landmine press
    Yes! I could probably do that.
    Please be assured that I'm working with my dr and physio. Its been a year of working to get it better.