Rotator Cuff: What is it?

Have you recently or ever been diagnosed with a “rotator cuff” injury or tear?

The rotator cuff is a common shoulder girdle injury, and at times is confused with the labrum.  To understand how the rotator cuff can get injured we have to first start with what it is and what it does.

The rotator cuff is comprised of 4 muscles used to stabilize the humerus (upper arm) in the glenoid fossa of the scapula (shoulder joint on shoulder blade) which creates the Glenohumeral Joint.  The four muscles that make up the rotator cuff can be remembered with the acronym SITS:

• Supraspinatus - runs the length of the top of the scapula in the supraspinatus fossa

• Infraspinatus - runs from the medial border of the scapula across the infraspinatus fossa toward the humerus.  

• Teres minor - from the lateral border of the scapula to the head of the humerus

• Subscapularis - runs from the medial border of the scapula to the humerus head, but on the underside of the scapula.  Rests between the scapula and the ribs.

Verywell / Gary Ferster

The primary job of this muscle group is to stabilize the humerus head in the glenoid fossa.  These muscles all attach on the head of the humerus, in what could look like a pitchers grip on a baseball.  When a force is applied to the shoulder these muscles are activated to help aid or resist the action, all while allowing the joint to move fluidly.  You may feel these muscles at work while driving with your hands at 10 & 2. With every subtle movement of the steering wheel, the shoulder goes through slight internal and external rotations while being in a flexed and at times abducted position.  Since these are small movements and the body is programmed to work efficiently, it doesn’t rely on the “big movers” for these tasks (i.e. biceps, triceps, traps, lats), forcing these muscles to work more.

Since the rotator cuff is made up of muscles it is susceptible to muscle related injuries such as tendinopathies, spasms, impingements, strains and tears.  These muscles can also be affected with larger injuries such as shoulder separations and dislocations. Therefore rehabilitation of a rotator cuff injury is based on which muscle is injured and the specifics of the injury.  Massage Therapy can help with the healing process of any rotator cuff injury through pain management, reduction of swelling and spasms, and can aid in improving joint range of motion and strengthening.

Book today to discuss what treatment options are available for your road to recovery.