The shoulder is a complex joint with many working parts. The rotator cuff is one of the most important for proper shoulder function. Perhaps you’ve heard
mention in the media of a
professional athlete suffering an injury involving the cuff. Or maybe you or a family member has been unlucky enough to have found yourself dealing with a rotator cuff issue. Read on for some fast facts about this vital team of muscles.
- What exactly is the rotator cuff? The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles and their tendinous attachments to bone.
- Supraspinatus
- Infraspinatus
- Teres Minor
- Subscapularis
- Functions of the rotator cuff:
- Rotates the humerus, or arm bone. This is required for throwing, reaching behind your back, or tucking a shirt in, for instance.
- Assists with overhead reaching and lifting tasks Stabilizes the shoulder joint by keeping the “ball in the socket”.
- Common rotator cuff injuries:
- Rotator cuff tendonitis. This involves irritation and swelling to one or more of the rotator cuff tendons.
- Calcific Tendonitis. Chronic irritation can lead to calcium deposits along one or more of the rotator cuff tendons.
- Rotator cuff tear or rupture. These are most common over the age of 40 and most typically involve the supraspinatus tendon. Tears are classified as small, medium, large, massive.
- How do we injure the cuff?
- Strenuous and/or repetitive activity involving the shoulder. This could be work or sport‐related.
- Poor posture or ergonomics
- Weakness and/or tightness of the shoulder joint and surrounding musculature
- Trauma, such as a fall onto an extended arm
Rotator cuff injuries are very common, but a majority of the injuries are non‐surgical. These injuries can be successfully treated with a variety of physical therapy interventions. The specific type of treatment is dependent on the severity of your symptoms and the extent of your injury.
Click here to email us your questions about rotator cuff injuries and how physical therapy may be helpful.
Also, click here to watch our video on common exercises that we prescribe in the clinic for strengthening the rotator cuff.
