Sports Massage Techniques - Rotator Cuff Strain

Before attempting massage your therapist will check for contraindications. This means that massage would be dangerous to perform if you have any of these conditions.

Massage can be beneficial following any muscle injury. Massage to the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles will help to improve the blood flow to the area which aids healing, as well as breaking down any scar tissue which builds up, and easing muscle tension.

Effleurage and Petrissage

These strokes are designed to gradually warm-up the muscles, in preparation for deeper techniques.

Effleurage

• Using the palms of both hands, on either side of the spine, apply pressure from the lower back, up to the neck and then across the shoulders.
• Then reduce the pressure as you bring your hands back down the sides of the back.
• Aim to cover as much of the back as possible.

Petrissage

• Use both hands, palms flat, in a circular, kneading motion

• Gradually increase the pressure. These two techniques should be used together for at least 5 minutes before starting to work deeper into the muscles.

Stripping the lateral rotators 

• Using the thumb, apply firm pressure along the rotators, which cover the back of the scapula (shoulder blade)
• Use the fingers on the other hand to support the thumb if you want.  

Circular frictions 

• Again use the thumb, but this time in a circular motion over the lateral rotators
• Use the other fingers to stabilise if required.

Finishing off 

• To finish the massage, repeat petrissage and then effleurage techniques. This will help to remove waste products from the area and prevent blood pooling.
• Massage to the rotator cuff muscles can be uncomfortable following an injury. Don't massage so hard that the patient tightens up with pain. Make sure you have at least one rest day inbetween deep massages.