What is the rotator Cuff?
What Muscles make up the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles; the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and the teres minor. These muscles work together to act as dynamic stabilizers for the shoulder complex. They also assist in the normal mechanics of the shoulder joint by depressing the head of the humerus when raising the arm overhead, which helps prevent impingement from occurring.
The rotator cuff is a very fundamental muscle group to allow for reaching over head into cabinets, weightlifting, picking up kids. lifting groceries, walking a dog, throwing, swimming, and even helping push up from a chair.
What is the main function of the rotator cuff?
During arm movements, the rotator cuff contracts and prevents the sliding of the head of the humerus, allowing full range of motion, and providing overall joint stability. The rotator cuff also helps in the mobility of the shoulder joint by facilitating abduction (lifting arm to the side), medial or internal rotation (toward the belly), and lateral or external rotation (to the outside).
Rotator cuff tears typically occur at the junction where the tendon attaches to the bone and are can be caused by both extrinsic (outside) and intrinsic (inside) factors. More on Rotator Cuff Tears
More Shoulder Articles & FAQs
What Exercises Are Bad for the Rotator Cuff?
How Can I tell If I Have a Strain or Torn Rotator Cuff?
What Are the Tests for a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Do I need an MRI or MRI Arthrogram for my Shoulder?
What is Wrong With My Shoulder?
What is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?
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Contributing Authors, Collaborators, & Colleagues:
Heidi Biehl, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CFSC
Matt Sato, PT, TPIc, SFMA
Benjamin Wobker, PT, MSPT, CSCS, SFMA
Joe nance, PT, MPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, ATC
DR. Samuel Koo, MD
DR. Jamie Antoine, MD
Dr. Vincent Santoro, MD
Dr. Camile Clinton, MD
Dr. Bob AdamS, DO
Dr. Christian Peterson, DO
DR. Chris Wahl, MD
Dr. Dayne Mickelson, MD
DR. Tyler Nathe, MD
Dr. Thomas CastLe,MD
Dr. Michael Sailer, MD
Dr. Greg Komenda, MD
References:
Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 4th Edition. David J. Magee, 2006. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/93095-overview
Kim TK, et al. "Clinical features of the different types of SLAP lesions" Journal of Bone Joint Surgery Am. 2003 Jan;85-A(1):66-71. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1261463-overview
Mayo Clinic: Rotator Cuff; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotator-cuff-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350225
WebMD: Rotator Cuff; https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/qa/what-causes-rotator-cuff-problems
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