I wanted to write a very quick description of the rotator cuff because I find that most clients have no idea what it is. Because of the ‘cuff’ part, we all tend to think of some kind of structure, but in actuality we’re talking about a group of muscles.
What Is A Rotator Cuff?
If the word cuff makes you think of something like this then you are not unusual in your thinking, but this is not the type of cuff we are thinking about. Instead you should be thinking of something that looks like muscles. Namely, the four muscles known as infraspinatus, supraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor.
What Does A Rotator Cuff Do?
The two main jobs of the rotator cuff that most people should at least be passingly aware of are internal and external rotation of the shoulder and stabilization of the shoulder. The shoulder joint has a huge range of motion and much of that motion is aided by these four muscles. At the same time, the shoulder must also have stability so that you can do meaningful things with your arms. Rotator cuff injuries, including tears, are very common and they usually lead to a restriction in the range of motion accompanied by pain. Nobody wants that, so it is important to keep these guys healthy!
That’s all I want to say about that for now. For exercises that can help keep the rotator cuff healthy, check out these posts:
Shoulder Pain: Two Things To Know
Shoulder Health – Three Quick Tips
PHOTOS:
Simon James: Day 91 – Cuffs, License
Qasim Zafar: 71 – Shoulder Muscles, rotator cuff, License