When Can I Workout After a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Stress injuries happen when you put pressure on your body during performance. If you’re an athlete or a person who stresses their shoulder while at work, you’re at risk of rotator cuff injuries.

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that allows the shoulder to raise and rotate. If you experience a rotator cuff injury, you need expert care and advice to fully heal.

At Twin Palm Orthopedics in Ocala, Florida, we know about what it takes to recover from a rotator cuff injury. Our skilled orthopedic surgeons Dr. Derek Farr and Dr. Nirav Gupta can diagnose your condition, recommend the best treatment plan, and help you attain a successful and smooth recovery.

That includes expert advice on when you can put pressure on your injured shoulder again and how to approach returning to working out after your injury.

Restoring your rotator cuff

Returning to working out all depends on the extent of your shoulder injury, as well as your treatment plan. 

We review your treatment plan with you, ensuring you understand how your recovery period will impact your workout plans. With the proper support, you can heal faster and with less disruption to your life.

Going back to the gym after a shoulder injury

If you need rotator cuff surgery, plan on taking a 4-6 month break from the gym. You’ll have plenty to focus on in terms of physical rehabilitation, including physical therapy stretches and exercises to restore your shoulder to full strength and flexibility. 

Even after you return to working out, physical therapy exercises can continue to support shoulder stability, lowering your risk of re-injury.

Even with a milder injury, it’s important to take a break from physically strenuous activity while your shoulder heals. Talk to us about the types of exercises that are safe for you during your recovery period. 

When you do return to the gym or workout room, listen to your body and its pain signals to know when to back off and rest. It’s better to start slowly than to experience re-injury.

Supporting your shoulders

After a rotator cuff injury, pay extra attention to supporting your shoulders when you workout or get active. 15-20 minutes of warm-up stretching helps loosen up your muscles and ligaments, reducing stress on your shoulders when it’s time to put on the pressure.

When you return to exercise, keep activity light around your shoulder area. Gradually build up to full-intensity activity over several weeks. Make sure to do all cool-down exercises recommended by our team, as well.

A rotator cuff injury isn’t the end of the world, but it does mean some changes while your shoulder fully recovers. To learn more about healing after a shoulder injury, including personalized workout recommendations, contact Twin Palm Orthopedics today. Call now or go online to schedule your initial consultation appointment.