Yoga for Shoulder Rehab
The Rotator Cuff
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Teres minor
subscapularis
Secondary stabilizers
Trapezius
Rhomboids
Latisimus dorsi
Pectoralis major and minor
Serratus anterior
Triceps
Bones that make the frame
Scapula
Humerus
Ribcage
Clavicle/sternum
Cartilage (soft parts)
The labrum
The capsule
Movement
Rotation (circumduction)
Abduction
Adduction
Extension
Flexion
Standard exercises
Overhead press
Lateral raise
Upright rows
Internal/External rotation therabands
Shoulder shrugs
Incline bench press
The better way!
Mountain
Down dog
Bridge
Shoulder stand
Plank
Lord fish
Mountain
Downward Facing Dog
Bridge
Shoulder Stand
Plank
Lord of the Fish
Crow
Pointers for injured shoulder
Work first to mobilize the shoulder girdle
Control pain (spasm) flare up with usual
measures
After flexibility is gained, work on muscle
“tone” and continued flexibility (exhale and
push)
Once accustomed to movement, advance
to shoulder challenging poses
Understand pathology
Most common injury is rotator cuff overuse and
inflammation/tear
The space between the humerus and the
acromial arch is narrow thus creating a
“guillotine” especially if the scapula moves
poorly (as in fatigue or sloppy movment)
Once injured, the shoulder joint collects more
fluid than it is used to holding (bursa)
Frozen shoulder ensues causing smaller space
and poor perfusion of muscle and tighter
shoulder space etc etc
Surgical pathology
Once the movement of the scapula is
impaired, the humeral head will not sit
correctly in the glenoid fossa and it will
start to clunk out of space tearing labrum
(cartilage) or muscle (supraspinatus)
Attempt physical therapy with a ‘shoulder
trained therapist’
Time for surgeon or injection with
conventional medicine …….or…….
Alternative pathology
With poor healing comes the introduction
of ‘stagnation of energy’
Meridia’s in TCM or Nadi’s in Ayurveda
Acupuncture or Marma therapy
Less invasive would be Qi Gong or Yoga
(with massage to both arts)
Integrative pathology
The antiinflammatory diet
Specific supplements for the short run
Topical oils
Homeopathy
Energy healing
Massage (thai, deep tissue, hot stone,
lymphatic)
Tens unit/sling
Supplements
Tumeric
Vitamin D3
Omega 3 fish oil
White willow bark, shark cartilage,
oregano, ginger, holy basil
Helicrysium, tea tree, traumeel,
frankinsence. Menthol, marjoram
Circulatory benefits
Lymphatic movement
Synovial wringing
Muscle perfusion
Proprioceptive training
“Side” benefits
Balance
Counter pose
Flexibility
Breath control
Mind stilling
Core strength
Improved digestion
The Saguil Approach
See the proper healthcare providers
trained in shoulder injury (including PT’s)
Use sling when necessary and TENs 3-4
times a day
Stick to the diet for a month or two
Supplements for the same
Acupuncturist (electro, auricular and
moxa)
Back up prolotherapy
The Saguil Approach
Weight training is building muscle using
eccentric and concentric movement
around a joint
Yoga is stilling the mind to balance the
body-it involves more than just “a pose”
Yoga in sanskrit means “union”, the union
mind body and spirit, (an entire science of
existence from 5000 years ago)