14 Apr So…What Is A Rotator Cuff?
If you ask me it sounds like a car part. You may just think of the extra piece of fabric on your sleeves. Seriously, what is it?
The rotator cuff is a term used to name the group of four muscles in the shoulder. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, in which the arm bone (humerus) fits into the shallow, shallow socket (glenoid) of the shoulder blade (scapula). The four rotator cuff muscles are supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus and teres minor. Yep, that was a lot of big words.
They help the “ball” or arm stay in the “socket” or glenoid. The rotator cuff also helps you lift and rotate your arm. If the muscles are damaged in anyway, movement will be painful and limited. You may have trouble reaching overhead to brush your hair or even putting on deodorant.
An injury to the rotator cuff is most likely caused by wear and tear over the years. Repetitive, overhead motions place a lot of stress on the shoulder. When reaching overhead, the supraspinatus tendon may impinge and bump into the bone which may cause fraying and weakening of the tendon.
On the other hand, the cuff could be torn or injured by a number of things including falling and landing on your arm or even while lifting heavy objects. Also, the cuff could be partially or completely torn. Your physician would determine the best course of action. And of course, the rotator cuff is only one of many causes of shoulder pain.
My tip to you would be to keep your shoulder and postural muscles strong and use proper posture when reaching and lifting, especially overhead.
On January 7th 2013 we will begin our fitness class called Fitness Resolution. It will be on Monday and Thursday night at 6:00 PM for 6 weeks. For pricing and more information contact us at 662-282-4949 or email Kim at kimpropt@gmail.com. Deadline to reserve your spot is December 31st.
Kimberly Lee, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Co-owner of Pro Physical Therapy
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