A patient presents with chronic shoulder pain and a physical therapist suspects a rotator cuff tear. The patient's MRI is scheduled for the following week. Until the diagnosis is confirmed or negated, which exercise should be avoided?

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Overhead shoulder press. Answer: Overhead shoulder press A rotator cuff tear involves the muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder joint. Overhead movements, such as an overhead shoulder press, could exacerbate the injury. These should be avoided to prevent further damage. Instead, exercises should focus on safe strengthening and stabilization. Scapular retraction, external rotation with a resistance band, and isometric shoulder stabilization are appropriate as they aid in maintaining shoulder stability without excessive strain on the rotator cuff.

A patient presents with chronic shoulder pain and a physical therapist suspects a rotator cuff tear. The patient's MRI is scheduled for the following week. Until the diagnosis is confirmed or negated, which exercise should be avoided?

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