Roberto Said:

What workouts can I do with a rotator cuff injury besides curls, pushdowns, and squats?

We Answered:

I think Physical Therapy will be your answer, they are great at determining what is safe for you to do & what you can push.
Listen to them so you don't do more damage to yourself.

Get your MD to write you a letter for your class.

Good luck

Enrique Said:

how can you tell if you need surgery for rotator cuff injury?

We Answered:

Your question would be best discussed with your treating doctor or physiotherapist.

There are several factors which need to be taken into consideration to determine surgical suitability. Some of these may include: injury severity, age, patient's physical requirements / activity levels / job, the patient's response to appropriate rehabilitation and physiotherapy prior to surgery, ability to comply with a prolonged and extensive rehabilitation period following potential surgery, cost etc.

Investigations such as an Ultrasound or MRI can offer guidance and likely prognosis based on the injury severity. Your physiotherapist will be able to offer guidance based on the likely outcome of appropriate rehabilitation compared with surgery.

For more detailed info, check out:

http://www.PhysioAdvisor.com.au/8043750/rotator-cuff-tear-torn-rotator-cuff-physioadvi.htm

Hope that helps and good luck.

Beatrice Said:

Can physical therapy help avoid surgery for a torn Labrum?

We Answered:

Absolutely, and not an MRI is not necessarily required at this point. Almost everyone's MRI will show "something"...even pain free people. Therefore, the link between pathoanatomical findings and one's pain is not always correlated.

I've found MANY people repond to physical therapy with specific movements to improve the articulation of the joint.

I would definetely seek out PT before a second opinion or an MRI (because most likely, the second opinion is going to send you to PT anyway)

Edgar Said:

Cortisone shot to shoulder for rotator cuff injury - anyone know personally if it works or has side effects?

We Answered:

Cortisone may work, and then again it may not. The "side effect" is that it is a catabolic steroid, meaning that it actually breaks down muscle tissue. This is why they recommend that someone receives only two such shots in a lifetime. Your friend really should visit another doctor, preferrably one who is on this list: http://www.kevinhearon.com/CEA/cceplocat… . This is a list of chiropractors who specialize in sports injuries and extremity care.

Clinton Said:

what are good exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff?

We Answered:

Do a lot of high rep internal and external rotations with your arms at the sides and abducted to where you humerus is parallel to the ground. Alternate between dumbbells and bands. Throw in some foam rollers for soft tissue work as well. I have noticed a lot less nagging pain in my rotators once I started doing these even though I lifting heavier now. Tuck you elbows in more if you bench press. The key is full range of motion, no pain.

Guy Said:

I have been doing physical therapy for 2 months, can I do these excercises now?

We Answered:

I don't think you should do them yet. You could injure your rotator cuff all over again.