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
I've been using therabands for 18 months and have progressed to black for the rotator cuff exercises (internal and external rotation, and straight arm raises) and silver for the scapula (bent and straight arm "rowing"). I believe there is only one more color--gold. I was told to advance very slowly, since the rotator cuff muscles are small. The popping eventually disappeared. This can be a slow process, so you have to be patient. And I agree with msgrupp--I don't think you ever reach a point where you can stop doing the exercises because the rotator cuff is strong enough (unless you don't plan to swim anymore).
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Former Member
I've been using therabands for 18 months and have progressed to black for the rotator cuff exercises (internal and external rotation, and straight arm raises) and silver for the scapula (bent and straight arm "rowing"). I believe there is only one more color--gold. I was told to advance very slowly, since the rotator cuff muscles are small. The popping eventually disappeared. This can be a slow process, so you have to be patient. And I agree with msgrupp--I don't think you ever reach a point where you can stop doing the exercises because the rotator cuff is strong enough (unless you don't plan to swim anymore).
