The dreaded words no one wants to hear, “you’ve got a rotator cuff tear,” but what is that and what can be done about it? You don’t have to hurt. What is the Rotator Cuff? The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles that help the shoulder turn on various axises as well stabilize the ball and socket that is the glenohumeral joint. the four muscles are: These densely textured muscles provide the majority of…
That deep persistent pain right at the base of the shoulder blade is something at many people experience, especially if they are computer/desk workers. Long hours of flexing the shoulders, holding the arms in front of the body, can take its toll on the Latissimus Dorsi muscles. The latissimus dorsi, which means widest part of the back, is that thick muscle that gives us that pleasing “V” shape when seen from behind. It originates on…
Shoulder Pain, Part 2: The Tricksy Supraspinatus Did you know that the most commonly injured rotator cuff muscle is the small but mighty supraspinatus? It’s true. Because of how the muscle is located on the body and in relationship to the acromial clavicular joint and the humerus, it’s often caught in a scissor-like pincing and can be torn pretty easily. Also, the supraspinatus can be the source of referred pain in the shoulder and elbow,…
Subscapularis – The Deep Trickster Pitching a ball, writing your name, playing tennis, skiing, using a shovel, typing on the keyboard, anything that brings the arm in front of the body engages with the subscapularis. This deep rotator cuff muscle is often overlooked as a source of shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand pain. But getting to know this tricky muscle can be a great help dealing with and eliminating your pain! You can see the…