• No one knows what causes it – in fact – “Most often, frozen shoulder occurs with no associated injury or discernible cause”
• We do know that frozen shoulder results from inflammation, scarring, thickening and shrinkage of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint.
• An injury to the shoulder can lead to frozen shoulder.
• No one can tell you how long it will last.

The Mayo clinic reports:

Your risk of developing frozen shoulder increases if you’ve recently had to have your arm in a sling for several weeks, or if you have had surgery in which your arm was immobilized in a specific position for a prolonged period.

How to Heal a Frozen Shoulder

That’s a million dollar statement – if you knew how to do it.  In truth, typical treatment involves:  the use of anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy.  Physcial therapy can involve several different modalities:

• Ice packs
• Electric stimulation
• Range of motion stretches
• strengthening exercises

If none of this helps, you may be a candidate for Manipulation Under Anesthesia.

Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA)

Sounds sanitary – doesn’t it?  What it really means is that you’re put to sleep and then your shoulder joint is forced to move in various positions:  flexion, external rotation, internal rotation.  This manipulation stretches and tears the scar tissue that has developed in the joint capsule.  Oh – they put you to sleep because of the pain involved.

Video of Shoulder Joint Manipulation Under Anestesia

Notes from MUA video

As you can see, the doctor performing the manipulation in the video is moving the patients shoulder in the same way a physical therapist does during physical therapy.  The only difference is the doctor is not inhibited by the patients pain level.

If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you may have noticed the name has changed – okay, really it was just rearranged.  A couple of months ago, I installed a “plugin” to add some additional features to this blog.  That didn’t work out as I had planned – BUT – by the time I discovered the problem, nearly all of my Page and Post titles had been altered and caused a drastic drop in our Google ranking and and our blog traffic.

Since we had fallen off the map, so to speak, we thought it would be a good time to change the name.  Not a big change, but one that should help us in search rankings.

4 Powerful Rotater Reviews

Our shoulder rehab device – the Rotater – is receiving the attention of notable professionals in the fields of both shoulder rehabilitation and sports medicine / performance.

Patrick Ward - Sports Performance Coach and Licensed Massage Therapist

Who is Patrick Ward?

• he has a Masters Degree in Exercise Science
• he is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• he is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
• he is a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) through National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• he is a USA Weightlifting-Certified Club Coach
• he is also a licensed massage therapist in the State of Arizona
• he specializes in clinical, therapeutic and sports massage and is certified in Active Release Techniques (ART) for the Upper Extremity
• he is the Co-founder of Optimum Sports Performance

Patrick Ward had this to say in his Review of the Rotater:

The Rotater is versatile in that it allows the client to move in a variety of planes in order to obtain a stretch.  It is very comfortable to use and the 6-holes easily allow you to adjust the wrist strap or thera-tubing for any size arm.  Because of the design, clients can comfortably attain a stretch position and hold for extended period of time with ease.

and he closes with this final thought:

If you work with people who need help with either external or internal shoulder flexibility or strength, you may want to consider The Rotater for your clinic or gym.  Or, as a supplemental piece for the clients to keep at home as part of their self-care program.

Mike Young - Sports Medicine Professional

Who is Mike Young?

• he is the founder and owner of ELITETRACK
• he is the co-owner of Human Performance Consulting
• he is the coach of the HPC Elite Track Team
• he has an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology
• he has a Master of Science degree in Athletic Administration
• he has a PhD in Biomechanics
• he has been on 6 NCAA National Championships staffs
• he is a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• he is a certified USA Weightlifting Club Coach

Mike Young recently wrote an article about the Rotater and Shoulder Injuries where he says:

It’s use is not super intuitive at first. I had to look at the pictures but when I did I was actually quite impressed with what you could do with it.

and…

…I think it’s one of the few products I think could be valuable for increasing the performance and decreasing the likelihood of injury in athletes that need to do high velocity, ballistic overhead movements.

he concludes with:

Disclaimer: The Rotater was sent to me for review and testing but they did not request any type of review or endorsement in return. I only wrote this review because I thought it might be useful for some of the overhead athletes on the site.

All Things Strength

Scott Bird is the owner of the website Straight To The Bar

Scott (and his father) recently reviewed the Rotater, here are their thoughts on the Rotater:

The Rotater is a brilliant thing.

Scott’s father tried the Rotater and says:

The results of my test of the Rotater are surprising, amazing, & in my case stimulating.

Scott’s closing remarks:

If you’ve ever experienced shoulder pain, you’ll understand just how frustrating it can be. Apart from the pain itself, it’s perhaps the fact that it prevents you from doing your normal exercise routine that’s the biggest source of aggravation.

In my case – and in my dad’s – The Rotater ended that frustration. An incredible feeling.

Donnie Kiernan of Combat Fitness Blog posted this video Review of the Rotater

I would like to thank Patrick Ward, Mike Young, Scott Bird and Donnie Keirnan for taking the time to express their thoughts about the Rotater.

If you follow Shoulder Rehab & Performance, then you’re aware that we’re the same guys who manufacture and market the Rotater for shoulder rehab and improved shoulder range of motion / performance.  I use this blog to let people know:

• what’s new in the shoulder rehab world
• about recent studies on a variety of shoulder related issues
• of new shoulder training techniques and videos
• other miscellaneous and interesting shoulder stuff I find while rummaging the net

Sometimes we include News about the Rotater!

ShoulderCentric.co.uk – Exclusive Distributor of the Rotater in UK

ShoulderCentric.co.uk - the Exclusive Distributor for the Rotater in the UK

We’re thrilled to announce that Andrew and Pat Bellamy have become the exclusive distributor of the Rotater in the U.K.  Andrew Bellamy is an Osteopath, mountain biker and scuba diver.

Mountain Biking fall causes fracture & shoulder dislocation

Andrew contacted me during his shoulder rehab – he had fractured and dislocated his shoulder during a nasty fall while mountain biking.  He purchased a Rotater online and I expected that to be the “end of the story”.  Not so – Andrew has been so impressed with the progress he’s made since incorporating the Rotater into his shoulder rehabilitation program that he’s become the exclusive distributor of the Rotater in the U.K.

Here’s the story in Andrew’s own words:

“During the frustrating rehab from a fracture/dislocation of my shoulder after falling off my mountain bike, I came across The Rotater. I had already had successful surgery and great physiotherapy, (and I have been an Osteopath for over 20 years), but it was all going too slowly for me.

A Rotater arrived in the UK in quick time and immediately made a positive difference. If for no other reason, it put control of my problem in my hands. As a patient, I like that control – as an Osteopath, I can appreciate the mechanical and physiological advantages of the way The Rotater keeps the axis of shoulder rotation in line with the upper arm. This prevents ‘patient cheating’ by tilting the body or dropping the arm when doing shoulder exercises, a common problem for physical therapists to overcome everywhere.

It’s now 12 weeks since my surgery; I’ve been back at work full-time for the last 8 weeks, plus I’m back to the gym, off-road biking, (no falls yet), and SCUBA diving. I have a great Physio, but the answer so often is to take good advice and then motivate yourself – the Rotater gives you that choice.

Frankly, I don’t usually do testimonials, but I will be recommending this device to my patients as well as using it as a tool in my clinic.”

Andrew Bellamy, D.O. – England

Shoulder Rehab Patents in England – Contact ShoulderCentric.co.uk

We’ve sent a lot of Rotaters to shoulder rehab patients and athletes in England over the past 20 months – now you no longer have to wait 10 -14 days to receive your order.  Contact Andrew and Pat:

• online at www.ShoulderCentric.co.uk
• by telephone ( 01273 455775 )
• or drop by their clinic  at 10 Western Road, Shoreham, W Sussex, BN43 5WD.

I’m sure they’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you a demonstration of the Rotater.

The Tennis Ball Solution

The problems with massages:

• they can be expensive
• sometimes difficult to find someone qualified – naturally, this depends on your location (big city vs. rural)
• amateur massages always leave you wanting more – not quite providing total relief

Please Yourself

Here’s a thought – make yourself happy.  Okay, don’t get any off-color ideas – I’m talking massage.  Deep tissue massage / trigger point therapy.  Get a tennis ball and follow along with the video.  Let me know what you think – did it help you?

My thoughts on this shoulder pain relief technique

I love a massage – who doesn’t?  But my masseuse (my wife) usually gets tired long before the knots are worked out.  With this tennis ball technique, I can put pressure directly on the problem area and then control the amount of force applied.  Give it a shot.

Frozen shoulder can be mysterious.

• How did you get it?
• How long will it last?
• What can you do?

No one has a definitive answer as to what causes frozen shoulder or as it is medically known – adhesive capsulitis.  Basically, frozen shoulder is a stiff shoulder that does not move freely.  It is characterized by:

• the inability to reach overhead
• an overall loss of motion
• decreased shoulder flexibility
• intense pain

A video explanation of frozen shoulder

Will frozen shoulder affect you?

More mysteries – though no one seems to know why, but if you have:

• diabetes
• Parkinson’s desease
• cardiac disease
• a traumatic shoulder injury / surgery

…then you are more likely to contract a frozen shoulder.

As Dr. Halpern states in this video, intense physical therapy is usually the answer.  If you are suffering the pain of frozen shoulder, then schedule a visit with your doctor so that he can refer you to a physical therapist.

Let’s get something straight – I’m not:

• a shoulder expert / guru
• a physical therapist
• an athletic trainer
• a physician

…please note the disclaimer box at the top of the far right column.  This blog is meant to provide you with sources of information that will allow you to make educated decisions about your shoulder and its’ care.

Scary Shoulder Exercise Video

This video scares me.

• notice the grimace on the face of the student / client within the first 3 seconds
• the weight used is obviously too heavy
• the instructor has to help the student / client at the end of each rep

Lack of Understanding is Dangerous

A major issue for me is the lack of understanding ( by the instructor ) that the rear delts ( used in the first stage of the exercise ) are far stronger than the rotator cuff ( used in the second stage of the exercise ).  This lack of understanding is causing the student to struggle as he attempts to perform the exercise correctly.  Imagine doing a lying dumbbell press with a heavy weight and then at the lockout position transitioning into a flye – it would feel like your chest is ripping apart – and it might.

Muscle Strength Imbalance

The rear deltoids are strong pulling muscles and the weight used in this exercise is probably appropriate for the inital movement.  However, the rotator cuff muscles are not nearly as strong as the deltoids – and it shows on the face of the student as he tries to rotate the weight in the second stage of the exercise.

This exercise should be broken into two parts:

1. a rear delt movement such as a rowing exercise – this would allow the student to use the weight shown.
2. a rotator cuff strengthening exercise – with far less weight – which is preferred.

Final Thoughts

I do like this shoulder exercise – just not as shown.  The amount of weight used should be decreased until the student can perform the exercise without pain.  Always use common sense.  If an exercise hurts you, then stop and  re-examine why and how  you’re doing it.

• are you performing the exercise correctly?
• are you using the “right” amount of resistance ( weight, band, etc. )?
• are you doing too many exercises for the same body part?

Just found this video on Diesel Crew’s website ( which I’ve just added to our blogroll ).

• simple, but not necessarily easy
• no special equipment
• can be done anywhere, anytime

APTA CSM

We’re in Vegas at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting – spreading the word about the Rotater.  Stop by our booth ( #1277 ) for a demo.

Later

• dinner tonight with Mike Dobbyn (World Record Long Driver)
• visiting Ryan Couture later this week at Xtreme Courture

Military press, seated dumbbell press, laterals, front raises, upright rows, shrugs – yadda yadda yadda.  You’ve seen and probably done them all – BUT don’t stop there.  Take a look at some creative shoulder exercises to promote muscular growth and possibly for your shoulder rehab.

Always begin by performing the exercises with very light weights and then progressively add more.  If you feel pain – stop.  Never perform an exercise that causes you pain.  If you have any doubts about an exercise, consult your physician or physical therapist.

Face pulls with External Rotation

Why I like this execise:

• it’s a good upper back / rear delt / trap exercise
• it’s performed on a cable machine which allows you to start with very little resistance and progress slowly
• by using a rope handle you are able to rotate your hands and arms externally during the exercise activating the rotator cuff muscles
• you could substitute a resistance band if you don’t have access to a cable machine

Hand Switches

Why I like this exercise:

• can be performed anywhere
• good core exercise
• the height of the step can be varied based on your level of strength & fitness
• can be performed on the knees if strength is an issue and then progress to full body position
• no special equipment needed

The Trap Trifecta

Why I like these exercises:

• simple and basic
• no weight or special equipment needed – BUT you could add dumbbells
• can be performed anywhere
• activates core muscles

Special Thanks To:

HurstTony – take a look at his video channel for many other unique and interesting exercises.

Mike Robertson at Robertson Training Systems – Mike is the “real deal”.  An accomplished powerlifter and coach with more qualifications than you can shake a stick at.

Don't do stupid things!

Like most men, I’m prone to acts of stupidity.  That’s right, testosterone induced bravado – though not as much as I grow older.  At least I’ve progressed beyond the stage where alcohol is involved.

My stupid shoulder trick

About five years ago, my two workout partners and I devised a complex contest to motivate us during our workouts.  Basically, we did several exercises and recorded our max weight and and the max number of times that we could perform that lift.

For example:

• how much can you bench press for a minimum of 15, 10 and 5 reps?
• how many chins can you perform with how much added weight for a minimum of 15, 10 and 5 reps?

We limited the exercises to multi-joint exercises – bench press, squat, leg press, seated dumbbell press, weighted chins, incline dumbbell press, etc.  We recorded our starting weights / reps and then pushed ourselves over a 60 day time period.  The winner would be determined not by who did the most weight / reps, but by who had made the largest percentage increase in weight / reps.  This put us all on a level playing field.

Contest takes its toll

Because we were monitoring so many different lifts, it took about a week to get the final results.  On chest day, we would do our chest maxes.  On shoulder day, we would do our shoulder maxes.  So, it took about a week to determine the winner.  In fact, it came down to the last day.

Weighted Chins for the Win

The last day was back day and it was close – only percentage points separated us.  In order for me to remain in contention, I had to perform 6 wide grip chins with an additional 35 lbs.  I didn’t want to waste any energy, so I did about 5 quick warmups and strapped on the necessary weight and started pulling like I was in the “World’s Strongest Man” contest.

I did the needed six reps, but not without pain.  About the time I reached four reps, I began to feel intense pain in my left shoulder – but like the guy in the picture, I just kept going.

We all win – I lose

The contest was very close.  In fact two of us tied for the win, but in reality, we all won because we had driven ourselves to the best shape of our lives.  We had also monitored our bodyweight/fat composition and it played a part in the contest.  I told you it was a complex deal.

The cost for me was huge.  I could barely lift my left arm.  Lat pulldowns with 50 lbs resulted in me “crying like a baby”.  I was out of commission.  It took months before I could begin serious training again.  But the big loss for me is that I can no longer do wide chins.  If I try to move beyond shoulder width, its agony.

Don’t be stupid – watch the video – warm-up your shoulders

This is a good video that shows you some of the basic exercises that will save you from the dangers of shoulder injury.  Do them!  Before every workout!

My thanks to Lee Hayward for an excellent video.

Photo Credit:  the mad LOLscientist

We had the opportunity to meet Mike Dobbyn ( the world record holder for long drive – 551 yards ) during the PGA Expo in January 2008.  To say Mike is a big guy would be an understatement.  At 6′8″ and 300 lbs., he possesses uncanny strength, speed and flexibility – all of the characteristics needed to hit a golf ball astronomical distances.

In this video, Mike demonstrates why he is the world record holder by “crushing a golf ball”.  But that’s not all – notice how Mike explains the nuances of stretching your body to develop the shoulder turn necessary to generate an incredibly powerful golf swing.  Mike is at ease in front of a camera and is a natural teacher as he explains how to generate fantastic club head speed.

Mike Dobbyn Endorses the Rotater

When we met Mike last year, he tried the Rotater and was impressed with how well it stretched his shoulders.  We really didn’t think much more about it until Mike contacted us a couple of months ago to tell us about impact the Rotater was having on his shoulders.  Here is what Mike Dobbyn has to say about the Rotater:

• “I noticed after only a few days of using The Rotater a much more flexible and stronger shoulder area!”
• “After using The Rotater for only 1 week I have achieved more extension at the top of my back-swing thus giving me a larger swing arc and the ability to generate more club-head speed.”
• “Having been an athlete since I was very young and having multiple shoulder injuries from over use in baseball I can honestly say that there is no better tool on the market than The Rotater for stretching and rehabilitating the entire shoulder area.”
• “If you want to hit the ball farther with more ease and be in less pain, then you have to get The Rotater!”