April 10, 2005 Arthur J Preslar III, MD Coastal Orthopedic Associates Rotator Cuff Stretching Exercises are an Absolutely Essential Part of Improving Shoulder Pain. Stretching exercises are designed to stretch the posterior capsule and increase the mobility of the shoulder blade. Remember, it has taken you years to get this tight, so it will take time to loosen up! Limit or avoid activities that aggravate the shoulder pain while you are rehabilitating the shoulder. Judi- cious use of anti-inflammatory medicines can speed your recov- ery. Use heat before activity, and Ice after activity. Stretching exercises should be done several times a day. Do them first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and before any sports activity. It can help to do them after a warm-up such as a hot shower or some light exer- cise. Hold each stretch for a count of 15. Go through the entire series for both shoulders once, then repeat. Do not “bounce”, and do NOT stretch to the point of causing pain. Special Point of Interest: 80% of People with Bursitis and Impinge- ment can improve with Conservative Treat- ment!! Rotator Cuff Stretching Exercises Stretching the Scapular Rotators