Rotator Cuff Injury and Whole Body Vibration

The Rotator Cuff is a group of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres

minor, and subscapularis) surrounding the shoulder joint. The shoulder is composed
of three bones the clavicle, scapula and humerus which create two different joints
(the acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joint). The rotator cuff muscles assist the
joints by maintaining proper alignment allowing for full range of movement of the
arm. Injuries to these muscles can include chronic tears (repetitive overhead work,
abnormal alignment of the shoulder bones), acute tears (fall on shoulder, lifting
heavy object) and tendinitis (wearing of muscle with age, overuse/repetitive work).
Symptoms are dependent on the type of injury. Chronic tears symptoms include
pain (often worse at night), pain may be associated with slight weakness, and
difficulty performing overhead tasks. Symptoms for acute tears include a tearing
sensation followed by a shooting pain and tenderness over the ruptured area;
movements of arm are limited by pain and muscle spasms, and if the tear is large
enough an inability to independently lift the arm to the side. Tendinitis symptoms
include a deep aching sensation in the shoulder and upper arm, tenderness over the
inflamed tendon, and a slow increasing pain with side or inward movements of the
arm. Treatments will also vary depending on the type and severity of injury.
Treatment includes resting the shoulder and use of medications to decrease
inflammation and pain. Physical therapy is often needed to help manage pain,
increase strength and maintain/improve range of motion. If a tear is severe enough
it may require surgery to repair.
Once through the acute inflammation stage of a rotator cuff injury an individual
should be able to resume a normal exercise routine with modifications. These
modifications should be put in place by a doctor or physiotherapist and exercises
should be monitored and progressed by an appropriate health care practitioner.
With a rotator cuff tear, especially following surgery, a doctor and physiotherapist
will have a specific protocol for an individual to follow to ensure proper healing and
the prevention of re-injury. It is important to check with a doctor or therapist before
resuming an exercise routine to ensure that the injury is not exacerbated.
One study investigated the use of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) as a precursor to a
multiple joint dynamic resistance training program in the upper extremities 1.
Specifically, the use of WBV combined with a resistance training program for the
upper extremities versus a resistance training program alone was investigated. The
outcome measure was isokinetic total work measurements of the rotator cuff. Both
groups showed improvements; however, there were no significant improvements
found between the two groups. The authors felt further research into WBV as a
precursor to multijoint exercises was warranted as there is a lack of literature
available. This is the only research article looking at using WBV with respect to
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE. PLEASE
CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
info@t-zonehealth.com www.t-zonevibration.com

affecting rotator cuff muscle strength. More research is needed to determine the
benefit of WBV in this area. Positive outcomes have been found with regards to WBV
which include muscle power and strength, metabolic changes, athletic performance,
improved balance, and effects on bone density. There are several articles listed in
the T-zone Vibration Technology Users Manual showing the benefits of WBV in these
areas.
If an individual with a rotator cuff injury is beginning to use the WBV platform in
their exercise routine, it is always beneficial to check with a doctor to ensure that
there are no underlying medical issues that may be contraindicated. Acute
inflammation and recent surgery are contraindications to using the WBV platform.
The stage of healing should be taken into consideration before using WBV. When
beginning to use WBV it is beneficial to begin at a reduce intensity and duration
until comfortable with the machine. Once an individual has become accustomed to
the WBV platform and no symptoms related to his/her condition has arisen, both
intensity and duration may be increased. Appropriate exercises can also be added if
desired. It is important that an individual with a rotator cuff injury avoid exercises
with the hands or arms on the platform until discussed with a knowledgeable health
care provider. If any exercise is causing pain or reproducing any symptoms related
to the initial injury it should be discontinued immediately and the symptoms should
be discussed with a doctor or therapist. In general, if an individual experiences any
pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath while using the WBV platform, it should be
discontinued immediately.
References
1. Hand J, Verscheure S, Osternig L. 2009. A comparison of whole-body vibration
and resistance training on total work in the rotator cuff, Journal of Athletic
Training, 44(5), 469-74.

THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT PRESCRIBE OR DIAGNOSE. PLEASE

CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
info@t-zonehealth.com www.t-zonevibration.com