Watch Out For Your Shoulder

Rotator cuff injuries aren't reserved just for athletes. While tennis players, baseball players, swimmers, and other athletes that engage in overhead sports are particularly susceptible, one of the largest populations at risk for rotator cuff injury comprises those who are over the age of 40.

That's right-normal wear and tear is one of the most frequent causes of rotator cuff injury.

So what exactly is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff makes up the muscles and tendons in your shoulder, and is responsible for connecting the shoulder blade and arm bone, and providing support to the shoulder. When damage or irritation to these muscles occur, the result is rotator cuff injury.

Rotator cuff injury is a real pain!

Common symptoms include shoulder pain, weakness, and lack of range of motion. So how can you prevent rotator cuff injury?

One of the keys to preventing rotator cuff injury lies in proper conditioning.

The best way to keep the rotator cuff conditioned is to strength train using lower resistance and high repetitions.

Try using Therabands or light handheld weights to complete exercises such as horizontal arm lifts, diagonal arm lifting, and wall push-ups.

Another important step to keeping rotator cuff injury at bay is to get regular massage therapy.