Rotator Cuff ….. what is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles which live (attach) onto the scapular (shoulder blade) and they assist other muscles of the shoulder in abduction and rotation movements.
So why do does it seem to be some common?
Well unfortunately it’s because it’s very easy to damage one of these muscles due to repetitive activities and poor posture.
And if you’re one of the lucky ones to have had a rotator cuff injury you’ll agree with me on how painful and restricting it can be.
So how can you stop this from happening in sports such as Archery 
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POSTURE! – listen to your mother! If she was anything like mine “Pull your shoulders back” she used to say. The best thing is, I now tell her the same thing 
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One of the main Rotator cuff muscles that can become damaged and injured is the Supraspinatus. When we have poor posture our shoulders become rounded and this poor muscle becomes squished between our A/C joint and the Humerus (upper arm) every time we lift our arm. Now can you count how many times you lift your arm in Archery? Now image repetitive friction on tissue 
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How can you stop this?
Train your whole body, Archery is strenuous but it’s also very repetitive in the same motion. By doing a full body workout you will not only increase your overall strength and core stability which could result in the ability to shoot an increased poundage, but it will also balance your body and thus limiting injuries.
(Seek a fitness instructor for advise if unsure, as training incorrectly can cause further problems)
Seek a therapist, whether the therapist be an Osteopath, Sports Massage therapist, Physiotherapist or Chiropractic they will all catch things before they develop but they will also iron out any muscular strains and torsion patterns in the body, keeping you in the best shape for you and your activity. Helping you be the best you can be.
You don’t think twice about taking your car for a service, or replacing worn out tires or brakes. Our bodies are the same and pain is a warning ⚠️on the dashboard something isn’t right!
We as a nation will spend money on cars, phones, eating out, clothes, sporting equipment etc. Yet when was the last time you spent money on the one thing you rely on everyday? Your body!!