By: StacyAtZeel
Whether the result of one too many aces or an especially tough day on the links, one thing's certain; shoulder tendinitis-often caused by an inflammation of the rotator cuff-is no day at the park.
One Zeel member, who's shoulders hurt when so much as swinging a racket or tossing a baseball around, asks, "What are the best exercises for shoulder tendinitis?" We turn to our experts for advice.
Plank pose. Tribeca-based Pilates instructor Nicola Yvette explains that the rotator cuff might be the cause of this pain. "I would strengthen the shoulders and arms by holding plank position," she says. "I would hold for 30 seconds and build up strength so the muscles support the problem area."
Pendulum swings. "For that, what is important is to do simple pendulum swings and to avoid overhead swinging or lifting," suggests Los Angeles' yoga instructor Steven Metz. "When it comes to shoulder pain, I recommend working directly with a doctor and a qualified yoga instructor."
Avoid overload. For shoulder tendinitis, certified personal trainer Michael Martino discourages any exercises that overload the upper body. "Instead, perform only two exercises per workout," he says. "Use the chest press machine with a close grip to bring in the triceps and alleviate the stress placed on the shoulders. Then do rear delt raises with light weights, and bent-over dumbbell rows, again, with light weight." He adds to be certain to stretch it out afterward!
