The rotator cuff is formed from the muscles and tendons of the shoulder. This joint has the widest range of movement in the body and the rotator cuff is designed to reinforce the connection between the bones of the upper arm and the scapula or shoulder blade.
Anatomy
The rotator cuff is an important part of the shoulder joint that is essential for almost all upper arm and shoulder movements. As explained by the American Family Physician, the rotator cuff is made up of four muscles. The socket of the shoulder is very shallow and the rotator cuff wraps around this area to extend the socket so that the upper arm bone-the humerus-is held securely. Flexibility and strength of the muscles and tendons are important for normal shoulder joint function.
Anterior and Posterior Muscles
The rotator cuff is formed of four muscles, as described by the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT). The deepest muscle, the subscapularis stabilizes and rotates the arm inwards towards the body. The infraspinatus muscle rotates the joint outwards to face the palms upwards. The supraspinatus abducts the arm upwards and out and the teres minor muscle works in conjunction with the infraspinatus to rotate the joint outwards.
Bones of the Joint
The shoulder joint attaches the arm to the upper body. It is made up of three bones the clavicle or collar-bone, the scapula or shoulder blade and the humerus bone of the upper arm. Several ligaments-elastic band like structures-bind the bones together. The rotator cuff is attached to these bones by tendons and supports the back of the shoulder joint.
Injury
The rotator is commonly injured by repetitive overhead arm movements such as in playing tennis or golf and by placing items on high shelves. Other causes include falling, trauma, accidents or twisting the arm. The Mayo Clinic describes a rotator cuff injury as any irritation, damage or wear to the muscles and tendons that make up the cuff.
Treatment
According to NISMAT, rotator cuff injuries usually heal on their own with rest, icing, and exercise therapy. Specific physiotherapy exercises help to strengthen and rehabilitate the rotator cuff when the muscles become sprained or weakened. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair a severely torn muscle in the rotator cuff. There are several option for surgical repair of the rotator cuff and the exact type depends on the size and location of the tear and other factors. Physical therapy is still needed after surgery for healing and strengthening the rotator cuff muscles.
