Rotator Cuff Injuries and How to Avoid Them

L.A. Times health and fitness writer Jeannine Stein tells us that middle age seems to be the prime time for  rotator cuff troubles. OK, but what exactly is a rotator cuff? Stein tells us that too:
The rotator cuff is comprised of four tendons that connect the humerus,
or upper arm bone, with the shoulder blade, allowing for the arm’s vast
range of motion. It becomes vulnerable to damage when used repetitively
for activities that require reaching overhead, such as weight lifting,
tennis, volleyball, baseball, water polo and golf. Stein reports that the likelihood of sustaining a rotator cuff injury can be lessened with a steady regimen of stretching exercise; and she offers a few: To stretch shoulder muscles before and after exercise, bring one arm
straight in front of the and hold it against the chest with the other.
To flex it the other way, extend the arm and place the hand against a
door frame, gradually letting the arm go behind the body. Make sure to
do it slowly to avoid injuring or dislocating the shoulder.
Read more about rotator cuff injuries.