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You know where it’s located, but do you really know what your rotator cuff does? In this 3 part blog, I’m going to explain the makeup of the shoulder joint, talk about some common ailments seen in my office concerning the shoulder, and finally inform you on different treatment modalities available if you or someone you know has shoulder dysfunction.

The rotator cuff is comprised of 4 different muscles that work to stabilize the humerous (your upper arm) inside the glenohumoral joint (shoulder). Picture the glenoumoral joint as a golf ball sitting on a tee, as it depends on muscles rather than ligaments and bones for stability and movement. These muscles all have their origin on the scapulae (shoulder blade) and insert, or attach, on the humerous. In addition to stabilizing your shoulder joint, they also help elevate and externally rotate it. The muscles and their tendons form a “cuff” over the upper end of the arm.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury or overuse may develop immediately after trauma, such as a fall on an outstretched arm or a lifting injury. Many times a sudden acute pain and snapping sensation accompany the injury, and are followed by muscle weakness. Symptoms may also develop gradually with long-term wear or repetitive activity. The pain will generally begin with overhead activities, but may become more noticeable at rest as time goes on. Sleeping on the affected side often becomes uncomfortable.
Individuals that are at a higher risk of getting an overuse injury of the rotator cuff may be involved with baseball, tennis, or weight lifting as these activities utilize repetitive overhead motions.

Next week’s blog will go into more detail on the more common repetitive or acute injuries of the shoulder seen in my office.