Rotator Cuff Banded Rotations are a set of initial-phase exercises that are used to improve functionality in the muscle group by appropriately activating them. These can be performed using GH Joint - External Rotation or GH Joint - Internal Rotation . As rotational deficits are common and often share a bidirectional relationship with pathology of The Shoulder Girdle , these exercises may be relevant in pathologies such as Subacromial Impingement , Glenohumeral Instability and Rotator Cuff Tear / Tendinopathy .
Starting Position:
Patient is standing with 90º Elbow - Flexion , slight GH Joint - Flexion and The Wrist neutral
A resistance band is anchored perpendicularly from either the lateral side for GH Joint - Internal Rotation or from the medial side for GH Joint - External Rotation
The patient then oscillates through ~50% of the desired movement, keeping their elbow fixed to their side and avoiding compensation from structures such as the Posterior Deltoid . As these exercises serve as an activation, 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions is adequate.
The following exercises can be used as a regression if Rotator Cuff Banded Rotations exceed the capacity of the patient:
Rotator Cuff Pendulums - oscillatory motion that afford a distracting glide to the Humeral Head
Band Pull-Apart - basic isotonic exercise for Scapular Retractors
Prone Shoulder External Rotations - adds gravity or light load to Apprehension Test position
The following exercises can be used as a progression to Rotator Cuff Banded Rotations once exercise proficiency is achieved:
Side-Lying Shoulder External Rotations - maximises effect of gravity against External Rotation with upper arm fixed against torso
Standing Shoulder External Rotations - incorporates upright torso posture
Upright Row - weighted isotonic vertical pull exercise that emphasises Upper Trapezius and Deltoid
Bottoms-Up Kettlebell Walk - typically isometric exercise for entire arm musculature with perturbation from walking
Push Press - explosive overhead movement with large range that incorporates entire body
Rope Climb - pull-up variation with entire load bestowed on alternating arm
Split Stance Landmine Press - unilateral total-body overhead pressing movement, typically performed explosively