Shoulder Dislocation Exercises

Author: Andy Finn
Published: 2011/02/11 - Updated: 2012/09/21

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: Shoulder dislocation exercises strengthen the rotator cuff to full functionality and help prevent future injuries.

Introduction

Main Content

A dislocation occurs due to a traumatic event like an accident or a bad fall. In 95% of instances it is an anterior dislocation, with the Humeral Head slipping out and in front of its socket, the Glenoid.

The pain is severe and, once the Humeral Head has been repositioned into the Glenoid, the patient is given anti inflammatories and painkillers to relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation. The arm is put in a swing for the time being and when the therapist sees it fit, a rehabilitation program can start to recover the cuff strength and also to help reducing inflammation naturally, rather than relying just on drugs.

A rehabilitative program for shoulder dislocations is divided in four parts:

• 1) A passive Phase: in this phase all shoulder dislocation exercises are performed by the therapist who actually performs the required movements. The patient must not put an input in these movements so as not to stress or even cause further damage to the rotator cuff tendons and muscles.
• 2) Once the cuff has sufficiently recovered, the patient can start an active phase performed without any resistance but just the sole arm weight. This light approach gives the rotator cuff a chance to start strengthening without jeopardizing the gains of the preceding phase. The movements consist of rotational external and internal exercises to be performed with proper form, not just at the therapist surgery, but also at home.
• 3) The third phase is the strengthening one, in which light resistance can be applied. This can come in the form of rubber bands or light weights. The rotator cuff is more and more challenged and growing stronger, while proper form must be maintained at all times. A correct form must never be sacrificed at the expenses of resistance applied, as this is a program of rehabilitation, not weight lifting records.
• 4) The fourth phase can last up to few months, depending on severity of injury, and is the natural continuation of the third, a progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff with heavier resistance applied, without compromising form.

Shoulder dislocation exercises are specifically targeted at the rotator cuff muscles, the Infraspinatus, Supraspinatus, Teres Minor and Subscapularis, not other major shoulder muscles like the Deltoid. They consist of rotational exercises that target the rotator cuff only to strengthen it and provide a solid foundation for all shoulder movements and to prevent future injuries.

A strong rotator cuff is the prerequisite of a strong shoulder, allowing the arm to perform tasks in all daily activities and exertions in sports. By keeping the arm steady into its shoulder socket, it also makes future dislocations less likely to happen again. A professionally devised program of shoulder dislocation exercises works not just as a remedial measure to rehabilitate the shoulder affected but also as a preventive tool to avoid or reduce the risk of future injuries.