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By: Karen Palacios-Jansen and Enrique Palacios MD, F.A.C.R

Many golfers do not pay attention to the function of their rotator cuff and its critical role in the golf swing until they’ve had an injury to that area. Golfer can develop tendonitis, bursitis, and tears in the rotator cuff due to the repetitive motion of the golf swing and from weak muscles.

The best prevention is to strengthen the shoulders. The following exercises will strengthen the muscles that comprise the rotator cuff.

1. External Rotations-Lay on your side, supporting your head with your hand. Place your elbow on your hip and bend your arm in a 90-degree angle with palm facing the ground. Using a light hand weight, lift and lower your arm, rotating your shoulder through a complete range of motion. Do 20 to 25 repetitions on both shoulders.
   

2. Internal Rotations-Lay on your side, your head supported by pillows or a rolled up towel. Holding a hand weight, place your arm in a 90-degree angle, with your upper arm resting on the ground and your palm facing the sky. Raise your arm up and down, rotating your shoulder through a complete range of motion. Do 20 to 25 repetitions on both shoulders. Increase the weight as you progress.