Shoulder Rehabilitation

Shoulder Rehabilitation

Anatomy

The Shoulder is made up of the humerus, scapula, and clavicle. The joints of the shoulder include the glenohumeral, sternoclavicular, and acromioclavicular.   Muscles acting on the shoulder are1:

Shoulder Injuries

External impingement occurs when the rotator cuff and bursae are impinged in the subacrominal. Internal Impingement occurs when the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons being compressed into the posterior superior aspect of the glenoid during a throwing motion. Other injuries include rotator cuff injuries because the rotator cuff is such an important component of the shoulder. The rotator muscles are responsible for maintaining stability of the shoulder joint.

Phase One of Rehabilitation

The main goal during phase one to regain flexibility. This can be done by daily heating and stretching. Increasing range of motion can be done through physical therapy and using exercises such as pendulums, wall crawls, and pulleys.

Phase Two of Rehabilitation

The main goal of phase two is to strengthen the parts of the shoulder. Daily physical therapy exercises are necessary for this phase along with continuing heating and stretching. The most coming strengthening exercises are wall circles, serratus punches, wall push-ups, and 8-way therabands.

Phase Three of Rehabilitation

Phase three focuses on building endurance. This is important in then return to play protocol because the shoulder not only needs to be strong enough but be able to endure a full workout. Some of the common endurance exercises are Bosu ball push-ups, chest fly’s, and weighted shoulder flexion.

Return To Play

Once all of the phases have been completed the patient should slowly be allowed to return to play after a physician's approval.

References

1Robinson, J. (2014). Show menu. Retrieved June 04, 2016, from https://www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/article/1177