Rotator Cuff Muscle

Rotator cuff muscle is an important part of the body and it is located on the shoulder. The rotator cuff muscle is a group of four muscles that surround the shoulder and help in making arm and shoulder movements.

The rotator cuff tendon covers the head of the humerus. The rotator cuff muscle helps in holding the humerus from popping out. The four muscles that form the rotator cuff muscle are: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis…

The supraspinatus muscle spreads from the scapula to the humerus (the arm bone). The function of this muscle is to facilitate abduction of the arm. This muscle also works with other three muscles to help in other movements of the arm and the shoulder. This muscle stabilizes the head of the humerus in the shoulder joint.

Supraspinatus is the most active rotator cuff muscle and impingements happen in this muscle often. The other reason for this muscle getting involved in a tear is: the acromion bone is very close to this muscle and there is every chance of the bone rubbing or impinging on the muscle creating a tear.

Infraspinatus and teres minor are those rotator cuff muscles which help in lateral rotation of the arms. These musclee also help in stabilizing head if the humerus in the shoulder joint. Subscapularis muscle is the rotator cuff muscle that helps in the movement of humerus by depressing the head of the humerus when the arm is elevated.

Rotator cuff tear is not the tear of the rotator cuff muscle but the tear in the rotator cuff tendon. But rotator cuff muscles can be strengthened to prevent rotator cuff tear. If a tear or impingement happens qualified and trained physiotherapist help in building strength of the rotator cuff muscle.

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