Ep 64: Sequencing for Students with Rotator Cuff Injuries

Essential Conversations for Yoga Teachers

Essential Conversations for Yoga Teachers
Ep 64: Sequencing for Students with Rotator Cuff Injuries
Mar 17, 2025
Monica Bright

Your shoulder is one of the most mobile—and vulnerable—joints in your body, and the rotator cuff muscles play a crucial role in its stability. When a student is dealing with a rotator cuff injury, it can be challenging to know how to sequence a class that supports their healing while still offering a meaningful practice.

If you desire to understand and effectively address rotator cuff injuries, then a solid understanding of shoulder anatomy is essential. 

The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles—the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—which work in concert to stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate a wide range of motion.

In this episode, I’ll explain:

  • the anatomy of the shoulder and rotator cuff,
  • explore sequencing strategies to limit strain on these muscles, and 
  • discuss how to incorporate strengthening and restorative elements into a vinyasa flow class. 

This conversation will give you the tools to confidently support your students with shoulder injuries. I'm excited for you to listen!

Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!

Support the show

YouTube: Yoga with Monica Bright

Freebie: Yoga Sequencing for Different Injuries

Let's connect:

Want me to discuss a topic? Click HERE to submit it!

Become a supporter of the Essential Conversations for Yoga Teachers Podcast! Starting at $3/ month.