Patient Education Corner: The Rotator Cuff

Shoulder pain is a common presentation in the physical therapy clinic. One of the most common things that we treat is anterior shoulder pain, or pain in front of the shoulder. This can be caused by several different factors, but one contributor can be an irritated rotator cuff. This post is going to go into more detail about the rotator cuff and its overall function and how it relates to the shoulder.

What is the rotator cuff?

Often misnamed the ‘rotary cup’, the rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles. Their main function is to keep the head of the humerus, or the ball, secured in the glenoid, or the socket. The muscle group maintains stability of the shoulder joint while we move our arms in different directions.

The stronger these muscles are, the more efficient our shoulder works. All of the rotator cuff muscles start on the shoulder blade and end on the top of our upper arm bone. Three of the muscles start on the back of the shoulder blade, and one originates on the front. What are the different muscles that make up the rotator cuff?  An easy way to remember these muscles is by using the acronym SITS:

• Supraspinatus: Helps initiate shoulder movement out to the side

• Infraspinatus: Is the main muscle that rotates the shoulder outward, or externally

• Teres Minor:  Assists with shoulder external rotation, extension and bring the arm                         towards the body

• Subscapularis: Mainly rotates the shoulder inward, or internally

The tendons of these muscles can become irritated, strained, and even tear. This can be caused by a specific injury such as a fall, or with repetitive overuse activities. Some terms that you may have heard are shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendinitis. 

Rotator cuff pain is very common and the therapists at The Fit Institute are skilled in assessing and managing these cases.

If you have recently been experiencing shoulder pain contact our physical therapy office today at Chicago, North Center, Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, IL. We will set up an evaluation for you so you can get started on your road to recovery. At The Fit Institute (TFI), our physical therapists are dedicated to helping you return to your sport as quickly as possible!