The Rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder joint. They all originate from various points on the Scapula (Shoulder blade) and attach onto the head of the Humerus (Upper arm bone).
Although the shoulder has a wide range of movements, it is a relatively unstable joint as the head of the Humerus only rests into a shallow depression in the Scapula a bit like a golf ball on a tee. This means that it is prone to dislocation and other injuries through trauma or overuse.
The four muscles are:
Supraspinatus – Runs along the top of the shoulder and helps to lift the arm up,
Infraspinatus – Originates on the back of the Scapula and turns the arm outwards,
Teres minor – Lives next to Infraspinatus and does the same job,
Subscapularis – Originates on the inside of the Scapula next to the ribs and turns the arm inwards.
Rotator cuff injuries are commonly associated with repeated overhead or swinging motions and can affect Throwers, Swimmers, Tennis and Golf players, Drummers and Decorators.
Please watch this video on my Facebook page to see how to stretch and look after these muscles. https://www.facebook.com/susanmartinsofttissuetherapy/videos/948341128920753
Stretching is particularly useful after exercise as part of your cool-down.
If you need help and advice with any injury and want to talk it through, please feel free to contact me .