What is the Rotator Cuff Anyway?

What is the Rotator Cuff?

If you’ve ever reached overhead, thrown a ball, or lifted groceries out of the car, you’ve used your rotator cuff — even if you didn’t realise it. Despite its importance, most of us only really learn about the rotator cuff when we or someone we know injures the shoulder. So, what exactly is it?

The Basics

The rotator cuff isn’t one single structure, but a group of four muscles and their tendons that work together to stabilise the shoulder joint. These muscles originate from the shoulder blade (scapula) and attach to the upper arm bone (humerus).

The four rotator cuff muscles are:

• Supraspinatus – sits at the top of the shoulder blade, helps lift the arm.

• Infraspinatus – lies just below the supraspinatus, helps rotate the arm outward.

• Teres Minor – a smaller muscle that also assists with outward rotation.

• Subscapularis – found on the front surface of the shoulder blade, helps rotate the arm inward.

Together, these muscles keep the ball of the humerus securely centred in the shallow socket of the shoulder blade, allowing smooth, controlled and coordinated movement.

Why It’s Important

The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body, but that mobility comes with a trade-off — less stability. The rotator cuff provides the critical support that keeps the joint stable while still allowing for the range of great and wonderful movements the shoulder can perform and that we rely on daily.

Without a healthy rotator cuff, simple activities like combing your hair, reaching into a cupboard, or playing sports can become difficult and painful.

Common Issues

Rotator cuff injuries are often common due its constant use. Common problems include:

• Tendonitis – inflammation from overuse or repetitive motions. If this initial injury isn't correctly managed or continues, it can lead to what we call "Tendinopathies".

• Tears – ranging from small frays to full-thickness tears. We are now understanding that small tears are quite common particularly as we age and this is not often an issue. However they can become painful and cause weakness. If tears are quite substantial, large or involve a number of the tendons this can severely limit function and can contribute to further issues.

Any damage or injury to the Rotator cuff can cause pain, weakness, and restricted range of motion.

Looking After Your Rotator Cuff

The good news is that many rotator cuff problems can be prevented or managed with the right approach.

• Strengthening the muscles of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade helps improve stability.

• Stretching maintains flexibility and reduces the risk of impingement.

• Early treatment of shoulder pain often leads to better outcomes.

If you have ongoing shoulder discomfort or weakness, seeing our Physiotherapists or a suitable healthcare professional can help identify the cause and guide the right treatment.