03 Apr 2014

At northlondonosteopaths Alan Nevies and associates see many patients who present with shoulder joint pain. The shoulder joint is unique in the sense that its stability is provided by muscles known as the ‘Rotator Cuff’ and not by ligaments. The rotator cuff muscles are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.

Tears to the rotator cuff muscles are something Alan Nevies and associates treat often at north london osteopaths. Tears can occur for a number of reasons. They can happen innocuously due to wear and tear and overuse. Rotator cuff injuries are also commonly associated with motions that require repeated overhead motions or forceful pulling motions for example bowling a cricket ball.
North London osteopaths can recommend a few short stretches that will not only strengthen the rotator cuff muscles but can also increase the range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Supraspinatus

Stretch your right and left shoulders simultaneously. Stand with a straight spine and put your hands on your hips, palms facing outward and fingers pointing back. Pressing the backs of your hands against your hips, gently move your elbows forward until you feel light tension behind your shoulders. Hold the position for up to 30 seconds. Return your elbows to their initial position, relax briefly and repeat the stretch up to four times

Infraspinatus and teres minor

Stand with your hand on the middle of your back and the elbow pointing out. Use the other hand to pull the elbow forwards.
Make sure you keep your back hand still.
Hold for between 10 and 30 seconds.

Subscapularis:

Stand with your back against a wall.
Abduct shoulder to 90 degrees and flex elbow to 90 degrees, form a fist and try to touch the fist on the wall.
When this is easy, move forwards slightly to allow more movement.
Don’t lean back!
Help keep your shoulders pain free and moving easily with Alan Nevies and associates at
northlondonosteopaths!

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