Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Conditioning Program - OrthoInfo

After an injury or surgery, an exercise conditioning program will help you return to daily activities and enjoy a more
active, healthy lifestyle. Following a well-structured conditioning program will also help you return to sports and other
recreational activities.
This is a general conditioning program that provides a wide range of exercises. To ensure that the program is safe
and effective for you, it should be performed under your doctor's supervision. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist
about which exercises will best help you meet your rehabilitation goals.
Strength:
Strengthening the muscles that support your shoulder will help keep your shoulder joint stable. Keeping
these muscles strong can relieve shoulder pain and prevent further injury.
Flexibility: Stretching the muscles that you strengthen is important for restoring range of motion and preventing injury.
Gently stretching after strengthening exercises can help reduce muscle soreness and keep your muscles long and ?exible.
Target Muscles:
The muscle groups targeted in this conditioning program include:• Deltoids (front, back and over the shoulder) • Trapezius muscles (upper back)• Rhomboid muscles (upper back)• Teres muscles (supporting the shoulder joint)• Supraspinatus (supporting the shoulder joint)• Infraspinatus (supporting the shoulder joint)• Subscapularis (front of shoulder)• Biceps (front of upper arm)• Triceps (back of upper arm)
Length of program:
This shoulder conditioning program should be continued for 4 to 6 weeks, unless otherwise
speci?ed by your doctor or physical therapist. After your recovery, these exercises can be continued as a maintenance
program for lifelong protection and health of your shoulders. Performing the exercises two to three days a week will
maintain strength and range of motion in your shoulders.
Getting Started