Abstract

Enhancing function of the shoulder and hip is similar; focus on basic exercises to strengthen the respective rotator cuff, stabilizers, and larger muscle groups. Although the two joints are different in regards to stability, as well as function of the cuff muscles, treatment and conditioning of the two joints can take similar pathways, particularly in regard to training the “cuff” muscles and the hip or shoulder girdle stabilizers. Exercises to strengthen the “cuff” include basic sidelying abduction in the frontal plane, sidelying external rotation in the transverse plane, and internal rotation in the transverse plane. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, strengthening the scapula and pelvic stabilizers is vitally important to keep the “cuff” muscles in a state of tension. Scapular stabilization can be enhanced with numerous exercises such as the “superman” while pelvic stabilization can be enhanced with exercises such as the “quadriped hip extension”. Eventually exercises should address the larger muscle groups necessary for more dynamic activities. Examples of such exercises include upper body push-ups, pull-ups, and lower body squats and lunges. Lastly and of equal importance are functional exercises that involve several planes of motion. These exercises should integrate the upper and lower extremities and provide for greater coordination and overall body strength. Textauszug