rotator cuff
Training with a rotator cuff issue
Rotator cuff irritation is one of the most common shoulder issues in trainees. RepRoute removes the highest-risk movements and biases toward variations that keep the cuff under safe load.
Overhead pressing, behind-the-neck pulls, and any wide-grip bench work tend to load the cuff at vulnerable angles.
Swaps prioritize landmine pressing, neutral-grip dumbbell pressing, and chest-supported pulling — plus optional accessory work for the cuff itself.
Direct cuff loading (face pulls, external rotation) is generally encouraged in the swapped plan.
Movements that aggravate this
- ×Vertical pushing (overhead press)
- ×Vertical pulling (pull-up, pulldown)
Safe alternatives RepRoute uses
Landmine Press
shoulders · triceps
Face Pull
rear delts · rotator cuff
Cable External Rotation
rotator cuff
Chest Supported Row
back · lats
Common questions
Most non-acute cuff issues are degenerative tendinopathy, not full-thickness tears. If you have weakness as well as pain — that's a clinician question.
Usually no. Landmine and floor pressing are usually well-tolerated. The cuff actually benefits from controlled loading.
Face pulls and external rotation work are encouraged. RepRoute leaves them in (or adds them) when the rotator cuff is flagged.
See it in action
Free plan, no credit card. Flag the injury in onboarding and the adaptation runs immediately.