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Evaluation and Treatment of Rotator Cuff Impairments: Summary
Corrective Exercises Corrective exercises are designed to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones, helping to bring the shoulder joint back into balance. Strengthening muscles like the lower trapezius and serratus anterior can improve scapular upward rotation, which, in turn, helps reduce the risk of impingement. On the other hand, stretching tight muscles, such as the pectoralis major, can improve posture and prevent the shoulders from rounding forward.
LEARNING TIP! Corrective kinesiology focuses on identifying muscle imbalances, such as overactive (hypertonic) agonist muscles and weak (hypotonic) antagonist muscles, to correct joint misalignments. The goal is to restore balance by strengthening the weaker muscles and lengthening the tighter ones. Instead of pushing for more activation of already overactive muscles, our aim is to bring everything back into harmony to improve stability and reduce pain.
| HEALTHCARE CONSIDERATION Reciprocal inhibition is an important concept in corrective exercises that shouldn’t be overlooked. When one muscle contracts, it naturally decreases the neural drive to its opposing muscle, allowing it to relax . For instance, if the rhomboids and middle trapezius—which retract the scapula—are activated, they send signals to the brain to relax their opposing muscles, like the pectoralis major. This helps reduce tension in the tight muscles, making stretching more effective and allowing for greater flexibility. Reciprocal inhibition is particularly important when addressing imbalances caused by overactive protractors. When we focus on retraction exercises, the brain sends signals to activate the weaker muscles, which in turn reduces tension in the hypertonic muscles. This results in a more effective stretch, helping to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.
Postural Awareness Maintaining proper posture is another essential component of preventing rotator cuff injuries. Poor posture, such as rounded shoulders, places unnecessary strain on the shoulder joint and can lead to dysfunction. Activity Modification For individuals engaged in repetitive overhead motions, modifying techniques and incorporating rest can help reduce strain on the shoulder. Adjusting movements, combined with proper warm-ups, can go a long way in preventing rotator cuff injuries.
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