Regardless of the sport, it is often said, “to win a championship, the team needs to avoid injuries”. This statement brings to light the importance of staying healthy individually and collectively as a team. Injuries result in time away from the game, expensive doctor/therapy visits and potentially lost scholarships. Engaging in a well structured year round shoulder program does not ensure that an injury will not occur but certainly creates and environment where a strong and well conditioned shoulder can better withstand the extreme demands of a competitive season.

The following study from the American Journal of Sports Medicine 1992, highlights the importance of maintaining a strong and balanced shoulder to prevent injury. The Cuff Performance program provides a precise balance between training the “decelerators” in the back of the shoulder and the much stronger “accelerators” located in the front of the shoulder.

Shoulder strength, power, and endurance in college tennis players

T. Jeff Chandler, EdD, CSCS, FACSM, W. Ben Kibler, MD, FACSM, Elizabeth C. Stracener, ATC, Ann K. Ziegler, PT, Beven Pace, PT, ATC

Abstract
Twenty-four college tennis players were tested for bilateral shoulder internal/external rotation strength. By significantly increasing the strength of the dominant shoulder in internal rotation without subsequent strengthening of the external rotators, muscle imbalances may be created in the dominant arm that could possibly affect the tennis player’s predisposition to injuries caused by overloading of the shoulder joint. This study suggests that external rotation strengthening exercises should be implemented in tennis conditioning programs to maintain muscle strength balance, and possibly reduce the chance of overload injury.