Do Push Ups Hurt Rotator Cuff?

Push-ups can sometimes strain the rotator cuff, especially if done incorrectly or if the shoulder already has some weakness or injury.

How Push-ups May Affect The Rotator Cuff & What You Can Do To Prevent Discomfort

Why Push-Ups May Hurt the Rotator Cuff

• Shoulder Positioning – Improper form, like flaring the elbows too far out, can place excessive stress on the rotator cuff muscles.
• Lack of Stability – If the shoulder muscles are weak or the core is not engaged, the shoulder can become unstable, leading to strain.
• Overuse or Preexisting Injury – If you have existing shoulder issues, such as impingement or a rotator cuff tear, push-ups can exacerbate pain or further strain the injury.
  

How to Modify Push-Ups to Avoid Rotator Cuff Pain

• Proper Form – Keep your elbows at a 45-degree angle from your body instead of flaring them out. This reduces stress on the shoulder.
• Engage the Core – Keep the core and glutes tight to maintain stability in the upper body.
• Modify Push-Ups – Try incline push-ups or knee push-ups to reduce the load on the shoulders, especially if you’re recovering from shoulder issues.
• Limit Range of Motion – Avoid going too low if it causes pain; stop just before the discomfort starts.
• Strengthen Supporting Muscles – Incorporate exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff, like external rotations, to improve shoulder stability for future push-ups.

If push-ups consistently cause discomfort in your rotator cuff, it’s better to get a consult now than risk losing movement permanently later or needing surgery many years from now.