|
| |
|
| |
123
|
| |
|
| |
Gray412png
|
| |
Muscles on the dorsum of the scapula, and the Triceps brachii
|
| |
Gray521png
|
| |
The scapular and circumflex arteries
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
The (rotor cuff) is an
Anatomical term given to the group of
Muscle s and their
Tendon s that act to stabilize the
Shoulder . Along with the
Teres Major and the
Deltoid the four muscles of the rotator cuff make up the six '''scapulohumeral''' (those that connect to the
Humerus and
Scapula ) muscles of the
Human Body .
These muscles arise from the
Scapula and connect to the head of the
Humerus forming a cuff at shoulder joint. They are important because they hold the in the small and shallow
Glenoid Fossa of the scapula. The
Glenohumeral Joint is often likened to a
Golf Ball sitting on a golf tee. During elevation of the arm, the rotator cuff compresses the glenohumeral joint in order to allow the large
Deltoid Muscle to further elevate the arm. In other words, without the rotator cuff, the humeral head would ride up partially out of the glenoid fossa, lessening the efficiency of the deltoid muscle.
Some anatomists dispute the importance of the rotator cuff. According to them the m. biceps brachii is the key factor in keeping the bones together.
See Also: Rotator cuff tear
This group of tendons can become
Torn , leading to
Pain and restricted movement of the arm. A
Torn Rotator Cuff can occur following a trauma to the shoulder or it can occur through "wear and tear" of the tendons under the
Acromion . It is an injury frequently sustained by athletes whose duties involve making repetitive throws, such as
Baseball Pitcher s,
American Football Quarterback s, or swimmers. It is commonly associated with motions that require repeated overhead motions or forceful pulling motions.
As with all muscle injuries,
R.I.C.E. is the modality recommended by MDs, DOs, Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, and Chiropractors.
R=Rest
I=Ice
C=Compression
E=Elevation
- ''Rest'' means stop doing any exercise or movement that causes pain. Pain is an indication the muscle tears are not healed and the tears are increasing.
- ''Icing'' numbs the area to decrease pain and also constricts the blood vessels to minimize swelling and bruising. Never ice for more than 15-20 minutes at a time as over icing will produce a different injury to the soft tissues.
- ''Compression'' also limits the swelling.
- ''Elevation'' doesn't really apply to the shoulder except when bending over or lying down. When the torn muscles are below the heart, more blood and serum can accumulate, increasing swelling and throbbing.
Cold Compression Therapy is very useful for all muscle tears and strains as it reduces pain and swelling. Using a cold compression therapy wrap for 15 minutes before sleeping can aid in reducing the pain which causes a restless nights sleep.
The rotator cuff can be strengthened to rehabilitate shoulder injuries, and prevent future ones. There are different exercises to target the individual rotator cuff muscles.
Strengthening the rotator cuff allows for increased loads in a variety of exercises. When
Weightlifters are unable to increase the weight they can lift on a pushing exercise (such as the
Bench Press or
Military Press ) for an extended period of time, strengthening the rotator cuff can often allow them to begin making gains again. It also prevents future injuries to the glenohumeral joint, balancing the often-dominant internal rotators with stronger external rotators. Finally, exercising the rotator cuff can lead to improved posture, as without exercise to the
External Rotator , the
Internal Rotators can see a shortening, leading to tightness. This often manifests itself as rounded shoulders in the population.
