I have been doing my cuff and scapula exercises diligently for the past three weeks and I have moved on from the red theraband to the green. My question is this, what constitutes a strong rotator cuff muscle group? I can perform a set of 60 repetitions with the green theraband for internal and external rotation as well as for my scapular exercises. Those who have been to therapy before will know what I am talking about while others are thinking I am from another planet. For those who are familiar with these exercises, at what level is the cuff considered strong? I still get a little bit of popping (both shoulders now since my RH has been taking up the slack for the left, and it was probably injured to a lesser degree as well from the get go) and some apprehension when raising and lowering my arm. I think my PT is going to release me to get back in the water when I see him this week but I am curious if I have done all I can do with my cuff strength. I plan on doing these exercises regulalry for as long as I continue to swim but how far do you go before you decide that PT is not going to solve your problem? Thanks for the input everybody.
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Former Member
strength is an on-going project. You will probably progress thru the whole rainbow of Thera-bands and STILL need to keep up with the exercises. Blue is usually next in line followed by black and I think gray is the end.
I don't know of any specific "test" that says when you're "done" (no pop-up roaster thingies here!). Your PT will hopefully be honest with you when he thinks you've reached your maximum potential. Different sports require different things. A quarterback needs a stronger rotator cuff than the punter does.
Most docs feel that a 6-12 week "try" of PT gives them enough material to work with. Either you're going to get better (and are satisfied) or you need more invasive means to achieve your goal. Just keep good track of how much PT sessions you're doing--some insurance companies have limits per event or even per year no matter what the event.
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Former Member
strength is an on-going project. You will probably progress thru the whole rainbow of Thera-bands and STILL need to keep up with the exercises. Blue is usually next in line followed by black and I think gray is the end.
I don't know of any specific "test" that says when you're "done" (no pop-up roaster thingies here!). Your PT will hopefully be honest with you when he thinks you've reached your maximum potential. Different sports require different things. A quarterback needs a stronger rotator cuff than the punter does.
Most docs feel that a 6-12 week "try" of PT gives them enough material to work with. Either you're going to get better (and are satisfied) or you need more invasive means to achieve your goal. Just keep good track of how much PT sessions you're doing--some insurance companies have limits per event or even per year no matter what the event.
