How To Prevent Shoulder Injuries by Working The Rotator Cuff Muscles
Exercise
Posted on May 01, 2014 by Jenny Cromack
| Too many people make the mistake of focusing a lot of time and effort in the gym on the big muscle groups such as the Pectoral major and Upper Trapezius and neglect the smaller rotator cuffs and posterior deltoids with the theory that if they are not as visible then they are not as important this common routine is wrong and could lead to a number of injuries as well as a lack in strength. Indeed you can prevent shoulder injuries by working the rotator cuff muscles and posterior deltoids and in the long term this will minimise injuries and optimise strength.Research suggests that 36% of injuries and discomfort from strength training occur at the shoulder so it is important to be smart with your training and ensure you regularly include injury prevention exercises into your training program. The primary risk factor for shoulder injury is imbalanced muscles. Most training motions require an end of range external rotation, but not internal rotation which in turn can lead to posterior shoulder tightness and weaker internal rotator muscles. These imbalances can be even more of a concern if you compete in sports with overhead motion.
Be sure to include exercises and flexibility exercises to target all of the muscles in the shoulder this will not only strengthen and stabilize these muscles to prevent fatigue and injury but research has in fact proven that strength of the bench press is seen when a specialist shoulder program is introduced. Pay particular attention by performing rotator cuff muscle exercises and exercises for the rear deltoids such as reverse flyes. If you need any advice on structuring a program then don’t hesitate to contact one of the motive8 personal trainers.
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