Exercise with a torn rotator cuff...

LittleMissAlx
LittleMissAlx Posts: 291 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey!

I was really looking forward to restarting running in a couple of weeks, but have just been diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff (which is seriously painful even if I don't move my arm)... so the running is pretty much out.

Does anyone have any ideas of what I could do that doesn't involve my arms? Ideally that doesn't require a gym, because my membership expired a couple of months ago and I've not renewed it yet. Though I'd be open to gym options as well :)

Thanks everyone!

Alexa xx

Replies

  • Cyclink
    Cyclink Posts: 517 Member
    I've torn both rotator cuffs over the years. The first week or so, I didn't do anything. I just let my body heal.

    After that, I did some low intensity work on the elliptical trainer. I found by not holding on, I had to really concentrate on my balance and gained a fair amount of balance and coordination from it.
  • sunshine_gem
    sunshine_gem Posts: 390 Member
    How about swimming? You don't necessarily need to work your arms at all and can just use your legs. Also, it should take the pressure off the arm.
  • JoanneStone
    JoanneStone Posts: 135 Member
    You need to speak to a professional about this. Shoulder injuries are not something you want to play around with. Speak to a Physiotherapist/Physical therapist or if you go back to the gym a professional trainer. They will be able to give you tips on regaining the use of you shoulder as well as an exercise plan. You will be able to run again once you look after your shoulder :happy:
    Good luck!
  • flechero
    flechero Posts: 260 Member
    If you are having surgery to repair it, you'll be asked to stay pretty immobile for a few weeks (depending on the severity of the tear and repair) so you'll likely have to postpone your plan a bit.

    You should be able to ride a stationary bike, use an eliptical (but I'd hold on with the good arm), pool walking, etc.

    Your Dr. should put you on a rehab plan and speaking from experience, follow it to the letter!
  • mysterycookie
    mysterycookie Posts: 21 Member
    If you have access to a recumbent bike, those are pretty awesome. They don't burn calories as easily as an elliptical, but you can let your messed up arm dangle/stretch and focus on using your legs. I do a lot of upper body rotation on the elliptical and it has been painful since I've had shoulder problems.

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