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An injury to the rotator cuff may prove to be one of the most problematic injuries one could suffer. This is because such an injury could lead to extreme pain every time someone where to lift his/her arm. This would certainly have the effect of inhibiting one’s ability to perform life’s daily tasks with any sense of ease. That is why it is advisable to integrate exercises for rotator cuff strengthening into one’s regular workout regimen.

These exercises are actually quite simple and easy to do. They require minimal effort, a small pair of hand weights, and they can be used as a stepping stone to your more intense workout time. Here are a few of these easy-to-perform exercises that will strengthen the rotator cuff muscles.

Since the rotator cuff is the ball-and-socket section of the joint that connect the arm to the shoulder, all exercises will directly affect this particular joint. The way this is achieved is by placing the arm in an “L” position by creating a 90 degree angle with the elbow joint. Rotating the hand from a down position to an upwards position will stress the rotator cuff. Adding weights to the hand prior to doing this will certainly have an additional affect on strengthening the joint. This will be a constant among any exercises for rotator cuff development. The number of sets and reps you perform will vary depending upon your current conditioning levels, but this positioning of the arm will not vary.

Standing External Rotator - Begin by standing and use a light hand weight such as a 5-pound dumbbell or other weight suitable for your current strength level. Maintain the 90-degree position described above and rotate arms upward. Start with 10 reps or another reasonable number based on your current conditioning. Don’t push yourself too far. Take it slow and easy.

External Rotator - Seated Position - Have a seat on an exercise bench or other flat surface and keep a nice straight back and good posture. Then perform the very same exercise you just did while standing. This can be a little easier for those who have trouble standing for periods of time. Repeat slowly as tolerated.

External Rotator - Side Lying Position - Similar to the previous two exercises, you will actually be performing the exact same arm movements. The only difference is, this time you will lie on your side to do it. This changes your center of gravity and works different parts of the rotator cuff muscle group.

Knee Support External Rotator - Again, you will be repeating the same basic exercise. However, this time you will be sitting down on the floor with your knee resting on your bent knee. Again, the change in your center of gravity targets new areas of the rotator cuff muscles. And this seated position makes it one of the less difficult exercises of the ones described here.

Tom Nicholson spends his time helping carpal tunnel sufferers. You can follow this link to learn more regarding someexercises for rotator cuff.