You’re working with an athlete who recently had rotator cuff surgery. They have already completed physical therapy and are cleared for participation in an exercise program. Provide a 12-week strengthening and stretching program to help bring the athlete back to full activity. Then, provide a rationale for your program.
You can use outside resources in addition to the course textbook.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: As a medical professor, it is important to provide practical assignments that challenge students’ understanding of medical procedures and techniques. In this scenario, we are working with an athlete who recently underwent rotator cuff surgery and has completed physical therapy. Our objective is to provide a 12-week strengthening and stretching program to help bring the athlete back to full activity.
Answer:
Weeks 1-4:
The athlete should begin with light exercises that help to activate the rotator cuff muscles without straining them. Basic exercises such as side-lying external rotations and shoulder shrugs with minimal weights will be beneficial. Stretching exercises will aid in increasing the range of motion of the affected shoulder, including internal and external rotations with a foam roller. The athlete should engage in these activities for two to three sets of 12-15 repetitions, twice a week.
Weeks 5-8:
By this phase, the athlete’s rotator cuff muscles should be strong enough to progress to more complex exercises, such as modified push-ups (on an elevated surface) and shoulder presses with resistance bands. Resistance bands should be used for stretching exercises to boost the shoulder’s range of motion. These exercises should be repeated two to three times per week, in sets of 10-12 with two to three sets each.
Weeks 9-12:
This stage of the program should include a concentration on sport-specific activities, as the athlete moves back to full activity. Weighted exercises that mimic the movements of sports should be utilized, such as lateral raises and overhead push presses. The athlete should engage in these activities three times per week, with two to three sets of 12-15 repetitions.
Rationale:
The program focuses on bringing back the athlete to full activity over a 12-week period while preventing the risk of re-injury. The first four weeks concentrate on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles while maintaining an adequate range of motion. After that, the program progresses to more complex exercises, with heavier weights and increased flexibility. By the end of the 12 weeks, the athlete will have developed the necessary strength and mobility to resume sports activities safely.
