Spinal fluid and rotator cuffs.

[Ganondorf]

If someone sustained a rotator cuff injury not serious enough to require the use of an arthroscope or similar tool, and/or internal/external/whatever strength and range of motion is decreased in one of their shoulders, they should just do the Starr rehab using overhead press correct? Should any resistance band exercises for internal/external/whatever rotation be used in addition the the press?

A lot of people seem to think they need to work their rotator cuffs independently, and a lot of therapists and doctors think that these exercises are helpful for healing them. I'd like to know the truth.

[Mark Rippetoe]

It is my considered opinion that muscles should be rehabbed the same way they are used, so that they heal in a way that prepares them for normal function. The rotator cuff muscles do not work in isolation, and therefore I like to use presses to fix shoulders.

[Ganondorf]

Ok, makes sense. I am under the impression that none of the major lifts other than chins and pullups directly work the rotator cuff. Bench might do so as people often hurt their cuffs doing it, but they could be failing to keep their shoulders back (as is with correct form). I got from SS:BBT that the rotator cuff wasn't directly worked during the overhead press, but was only used somewhat as basic stabilization if needed.

Thanks.

[Mark Rippetoe]

This impression comes from a misunderstanding of the function of the cuff muscles. You have been taught by the PTs that the real function of the external rotators is isolated external rotation, and that's just not the case. Shoulder stability is their primary function, and they perform this function by applying tension that can also produce external rotation when they are isolated. But just because the PTs discovered that you can move a 2 lb. chrome dumbbell up and down while lying on your side with your arm against your ribcage does not mean that this is the primary function of the muscle.

[Tiburon]

But just because the PTs discovered that you can move a 2 lb. chrome dumbbell up and down while lying on your side with your arm against your ribcage does not mean that this is the primary function of the muscle.

Hahahaha. Been there, done that.