Acrobat Case Study After Rotator Cuff Repair

The acrobat holds other people overhead for long periods, so his key measures were psychological readiness, 90/90 rotation strength and ratios, overhead range and stability, and force plate peak force and rate of force development, with a 6 to 9 month prognosis. Ben had tested him before surgery, which gave a baseline for comparison. Overhead range returned faster than after stabilization. At the first test the ASH results were 30 to 40 percent down on the affected side, the closed kinetic chain upper extremity test was below target, and cuff and posterior shoulder endurance were limited. Lower limb screening showed deficits in gluteus medius strength, side plank and single leg rise. Exercises included overhead bridge work, eccentric lowering into T, Y and I positions, drop and catch into the floor, and concentric medicine ball pushes. A month later the gaps were 15 to 20 percent and endurance scores were close to target. Prayer stretches with a mini band, TRX flies, band-assisted plyometric push-ups and single-arm medicine ball presses were added.