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The
Training Zone with Scott Randolph
Exercise
Physiologist and Trainer of Olympic Athletes
Defining
the Rotator Cuff
and Its Significance in Fastpitch Softball Pitchers
The
rotator cuff is a group of 4 small muscles that function to secure the
head of the humerus in its socket.
These four muscles surround and stabilize the shoulder joint during
movement. The
rotator cuff muscles work primarily to help prepare the arm for lifting
and movement activities. The muscles that make up the rotator cuff are
the: Supraspinatus,
Infraspinatus, the Teres Minor and the Subscapularis.
The subscapularis muscle of the rotator cuff sits on the front
surface of the shoulder blade (the scapula).
The supraspinatus, the infraspinatus and the teres minor all sit on
the backside of the shoulder blade.
The rotator cuff helps to rotate and
spin the arm around in its socket, which is essentially the windmill
motion in fastpitch softball.
The fastpitch softball pitcher should specifically train to improve
the integrity of the shoulder joint.
This will ideally prevent debilitating injury due to weakness and
overuse. Rotator
cuff muscles do not get stronger with weight training unless they are
specifically isolated.
These muscles should be worked slowly to get the best possible
results. When
the muscles are strong and well conditioned, they may add speed and power
to overhead or pitching activities.
It is essential that the rotator cuff muscles be warmed up prior to
throwing. A
good stretching program combined with a slow, progressive workout is
ideal.
If the rotator cuff muscles do become inflamed, they
should be treated immediately with rest to get the fastest recovery.
Any activity involving over the head motion should be stopped and
the athlete should be checked by a qualified trainer or physician.
Rehabilitation programs will be prescribed to strengthen the
rotator cuff and it is extremely important to adhere to these programs to
prevent further damage.
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