The Rotator Cuff’s role in the throwing motion is to center the humeral head of the shoulder in the socket of the scapula.
The muscles of the Rotator Cuff (RTC) and the muscles that attach the shoulder blade (scapula) to the rib cage control the position that the shoulder stays in during every phases of the throwing motion. Each muscle plays an important part in stabilizing the shoulder as the athlete transitions from one phase of the throwing motion to the next. The ability to dynamically stabilize the shoulder in each phase, especially the two phases where most injuries occur, requires strength and useable flexibility. The contractions of the RTC and shoulder are both concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening). Training the RTC the right way is the only way to give athletes the chance to perform at their peak level and avoid unnecessary injury. This is why we feel it is so important to perform RTC exercises correctly.
We started the OAI to return athletes to the field performing better than they were prior to their injury.
When we investigated the programs we found on the Internet we were surprised to see the lack of emphasis on RTC training specificity. We want athletes to perform to the best of their ability. The only way that can happen is to stay on the field. That’s why we are giving it away for free. These exercises are used every day in our therapy clinics and at the OAI.
