AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training
| AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training |
Phone: 479-751-THER (8437) |
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| What is the Rotator Cuff? Defines the muscles and the function  Also called the "rotary cuff" or the "liter" by many patients. A series of four muscles vital for proper shoulder function. Never lift heavy weights when working on rotator cuff strength and endurance. The Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor Subscapularis (SITS) are the muscles of the rotator cuff. These four muscles function to hold the main bone of the upper arm (head of the humerus) in place (in the glenoid fossa) when moving your arm out to the side and above your head. If the rotator cuff muscles are worn out or torn, then the patient can get impingement. (see What is Impingement?) The upper bone of the arm (humeral head) will move upward through the pull of the deltoid muscle, and impingement occurs. These muscles also serve to rotate the shoulder internally and externally. Strengthening should never include heavy weights for the rotator cuff. Athletes that we treat are amazed that they fatigue after doing 3 sets of 30 repetitions at 2 pounds. One reason pitchers fatigue is that the rotator cuff and the muscles around the shoulder blade (scapula) fatigue. As we age, there is much more chance of tearing the rotator cuff. Those who have had very physical work and above the head for years are at more risk. In fact, by age 60 many will have a tear in one of the muscles of the rotator cuff. Some may not have pain yet. There are some who believe that everyone will eventually have a tear in the rotator cuff if you get old enough. Related Articles What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears? How Long Do I Ice? What is Shoulder Impingement? Should My Hand be in a Certain Position When I Raise My Arm Above My Head to Prevent Impingement? What is Frozen Shoulder? REFERENCES 1. Orthopedic Management of the Upper Quarter. North American Sports Medicine Institute. 2003 2. Tomberlin JP, Saunders HD Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Vol 2;1994. pg 105. This article is provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The content is provided "as is" for general information and to educate the reader. The article is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content should not be considered complete and should not be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual suffering from a particular problem, issue or medical need. The reader should always consult with a qualified health care provider familiar with the reader's general health, background and conditions and follow the advice given by the health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting a new diet, treatment or fitness program. Do not delay seeking specific advice or care or disregard the advice of your health care provider based on information contained in this article. Article Date: July 2009 |
So what should you do? See and see your sports medicine physician or physical therapist for an evaluation if you have shoulder pain Ice the shoulder per our guidelines if needed until your appointment. |