What is your rotator cuff?
The muscles of the rotator cuff function together to stabilize the humerus inside the shoulder blade socket during any arm movement. The rotator cuff consists of 4 muscles that are responsible for rotation and movement of your shoulder joint and arm.
Muscles that make up the Rotator Cuff
Each muscle, when fired individually, will perform the following movements:
- Supraspinatus – initiates and assists in elevating humerus
- Infraspinatus – externally rotates humerus
- Teres Minor – externally rotates humerus
- Subscapularis – internally rotates humerus
How do rotator cuff problems typically start?
Rotator cuff injuries usually happen after repetitive overhead activities or age related changes causing irritation of the rotator cuff tendons.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?
Symptoms include pain, soreness, stiffness, pinching, cracking, and weakness in the shoulder. If you have pain or difficulty when reaching overhead, reaching behind your back, or playing overhead throwing sports, you may have a rotator cuff injury.
What to do if you think you have a Rotator Cuff problem?
If you are worried about having shoulder stiffness, soreness, pain, or weakness, an expert physical therapist at Respire Physical Therapy will listen to your symptoms and develop a recovery program for you. CALL NOW for more information on your rotator cuff.
Tags: Physical Therapy, Respire Physical Therapy, Rotator Cuff, Shoulder Injury, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder weakness
