| It is not surprising that bodybuilders and weightlifters | | | | shoulders. They may also have difficulty sleeping due |
| are especially susceptible to rotator cuff injuries. These | | | | to the pain. |
| injuries are often caused by activities that place | | | | It is best to try to prevent a this injury rather than try to |
| excessive strain on the shoulder muscles and joints. | | | | cure one. This is true for all injuries and rotator cuff |
| Bodybuilding and weightlifting both involve movements | | | | injuries are no exception. While there may be |
| which use the rotator cuff in ways that are far | | | | non-surgical treatment options in less severe injuries |
| different from basic, everyday activities. Because of | | | | for a rotator cuff injury, prevention remains the most |
| this, the muscles and tendons can be strained beyond | | | | practical advice. Time is always a key element in the |
| their limits. When this occurs, a rotator cuff injury is just | | | | treatment for rotator cuff injuries. The amount of time |
| a matter of time. | | | | varies depending on how the severity of the injury. |
| Comprised of four muscles and their respective | | | | For minor injuries, exercises that stabilize the shoulder |
| tendons - the infraspinatus, the supraspinatus, the | | | | blades and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles may |
| subscapularis, and the teres minor, they are responsible | | | | be all that is necessary. Steroid injections may be used |
| for supporting the shoulder joint. And they are very | | | | to reduce inflammation. For severe tears, surgery is |
| susceptible to injury. | | | | probably required. If the injury persists after all other |
| A rotator cuff injury can be one of the most painful | | | | treatment options have been used, a partial or total |
| injuries experienced by weightlifters and bodybuilders. | | | | shoulder replacement may be advised. Often, your |
| And they can be especially debilitating because they | | | | instincts are your best guide in preventing an injury. |
| may considerably limit shoulder, arm, and head | | | | If you think you are over-exerting your muscles, then it |
| movements. Too often, athletes ignore the symptoms | | | | is time to listen and think about what you are doing. |
| of a rotator tear until the situation becomes severe. | | | | Taking some simple precautions, such as warming up |
| Only then do they realize that poor form or incorrect | | | | and cooling down before and after exercising, |
| exercise, in addition to the overuse of their muscles, | | | | choosing the right exercises, and having a balanced |
| has done the damage. | | | | exercise routine can be very beneficial. |
| Unfortunately, it is often only after the injury that | | | | Weightlifters and bodybuilders should consult a trainer |
| athletes realize the abuse. Bodybuilders and | | | | to get a general understanding of how form and |
| weightlifters who sustain rotator cuff injuries will | | | | exertion affects their bodies. Those who are not |
| certainly find themselves unable to perform their | | | | knowledgeable about their fitness routines may place |
| normal training regimens because they require | | | | excessive strain on their shoulder muscles doing much |
| movements of the upper body, especially the | | | | more harm than good. |