Rotator Cuff Muscles

Rotator cuff muscles are a group of muscles that are in the shoulder joint. They help to keep the humerus from popping out. The rotator cuff muscles help to guide the shoulder through lots of motions and help to make the shoulder joint stable.

The four muscles that make up the rotator cuff are the teres minor, the infraspinatus, the supraspinatus and the subscapularis. The infraspinatus is the largest muscle of the group. It helps to roll the arm outward. The supraspinatus is the muscle that can be most degenerative. This muscle helps to move the arm away from the side of the body..

Injuries are responsible for most rotator cuff tears. However, diabetics, people who have had strokes and heart disease are also prone to rotator cuff tears. Also, anyone who has a repetitive type job can a tear happen. Athletes are especially susceptible to this type of injury.

If a rotator cuff tear happens, it will be difficult to do everyday tasks such as getting dressed or reaching overhead. There can be a considerable amount of pain and it can make sleeping difficult.

Sometimes, these tears can be handled by doing physical therapy. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen might be prescribed for pain. If all else fails, an injection of cortisone may be given. The last resort for this type of injury is surgery.

If surgery is performed, the patient will have to have help to go home, as he will not be able to do much for the first three months. Lifting will be extremely limited. Physical therapy usually follows surgery as soon as the patient can tolerate it and the shoulder has had time to heal. It is important to get the shoulder moving as soon as possible to keep adhesions from forming and making the shoulder stiff again.

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