Help/tips

[canadian-bacon]

Was looking for advice on what exercises I could do to warm up rotator cuffs? Or if any that helps strengthen them?

[canadian-bacon]

Anyone?

[hearnrumors]

I've had on-going problems with my rotator cuffs for years... heres what helps me:

- Broomsticks. There are a bunch of different, great stretches and warmups for shoulders using a broomstick. I'm too new to the forum to post links, but just google "broomstick shoulder"

- Focusing on Back muscles. My problems originated from a huge discreptancy in my chest strength, and back strength. I personally try to make sure that I can row as much as I bench.

- More dumbbells. Besides squats and deadlifts, I now do most of my lifts with dumbbells. Your shoulder has a ton of different stabilizer muscles, and it's important that they all get worked out.

If you are experiencing any pain... stop what you're doing, and see a doctor asap. It's very easy to get a lifelong injury.

[canadian-bacon]

Thanks! I don't do bench at all. Use all DB's due to it bothering my shoulders. I'll check out the broomstick idea. And does it it help with the back being as strong as chest? I do have lower back pains sometimes.

[hearnrumors]

Yeah, having my back/chest be about equal helps me a LOT. If I skip even one or two "back" days in a row, my rotator cuffs will be pissed...

Lower-back pain may be unrelated. I mostly focus on upper-back. Pull-ups, bentover rows, seated rows.

For supplements, try taking 5-10g of Fish Oil and 6g of Glucosamine+Chondroitin every day.
(Fish Oil reduces inflamattion, Glucosamine+Chondroitin helps lubricate the joints)