Rotator cuff

The supraspinatus muscle spreads out in a horizontal band to insert on the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus.

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.

The rotator cuff's contributions to concavity compression and stability vary according to their stiffness and the direction of the force they apply upon the joint.

[7] The anterior portion of the supraspinatus tendon is submitted to a significantly greater load and stress, and performs its main functional role.

[8] The tendons at the ends of the rotator cuff muscles can become torn, leading to pain and restricted movement of the arm.

Active exercises allow an increase in strength and further range of motion by permitting the movement of the shoulder joint without the support of a physical therapist.

[9] External rotation of the shoulder with the arm at a 90-degree angle is an additional exercise done to increase control and range of motion of the Infraspinatus and Teres minor muscles.

[9] At 8–12 weeks, strength training intensity will increase as free-weights and resistance bands will be implemented within the exercise prescription.

Steps must be taken and precautions need to be made in order for the rotator cuffs to heal properly following surgery while still maintaining function to prevent any deteriorating effects on the muscles.

[21] A systematic review and meta-analysis study shows manual therapy may help to reduce pain for patient with Rotator cuff tendiopathy, based on low- to moderate-quality evidence.

[23] Surgery may be recommended for patients with an acute, traumatic rotator cuff tear resulting in substantial weakness.

[23] If a surgical option is selected, the rehabilitation of the rotator cuff is necessary in order to regain maximum strength and range of motion within the shoulder joint.

Passive exercises of the shoulder are movements in which a physical therapist maintains the arm in a particular position, manipulating the rotator cuff without any effort by the patient.

[26] These exercises are used to increase stability, strength and range of motion of the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles within the rotator cuff.

The first phase involves gentle stretches and passive all around movements, and people are advised not to go above 70 degrees of elevation to prevent any kind of further pain.

Exercises include pushups and shoulder shrugs, and after a couple of weeks of this, daily activities are gradually added to the patient's routine.