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The Ultimate Shoulder and Massage Reference

Here you will find the collection of pages and blog entries I have written over the years ‘ about the shoulder: rotator cuff, rhomboids, trapezia, and more! Please look around and you’ll find information that will be useful to you!

Side view rotator cuff

What is the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff comprises four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work harmoniously to stabilize the shoulder joint and enable various arm movements, such as lifting, rotating, and reaching.

Supraspinatus Muscle

Origin: The supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula.

Insertion: It inserts onto the greater tubercle of the humerus.

Action: The supraspinatus initiates abduction of the arm and assists in stabilizing the shoulder joint, particularly during overhead movements.

Infraspinatus Muscle

Origin: Arising from the infraspinous fossa of the scapula.

Insertion: It inserts onto the greater tubercle of the humerus, just below the supraspinatus.

Action: The infraspinatus facilitates external rotation of the shoulder joint and helps stabilize the humeral head within the glenoid cavity during arm movements.

Teres Minor Muscle

Origin: Originating from the lateral border of the scapula.

Insertion: It inserts onto the greater tubercle of the humerus, inferior to the infraspinatus.

Action: The teres minor aids in external rotation of the shoulder joint and provides additional stability during arm movements, particularly when the arm is raised or rotated outwards.,

Subscapularis Muscle

Origin: Arising from the subscapular fossa of the scapula.

Insertion: It inserts onto the lesser tubercle of the humerus.

Action: The subscapularis muscle facilitates internal rotation of the shoulder joint and contributes to the stabilization of the humeral head within the glenoid cavity.

Shoulder Pain Articles

  • Recover from Rotator Cuff injury

    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?…

  • Mid-back Pain?  Check the Lats

    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…

  • Shoulder Pain, Part 2: Supraspinatus

    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…

  • Shoulder Pain, Part 3: Subscapularis

    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.…

Exploring Further

For a deeper understanding of the anatomy and function of the four rotator cuff muscles, we invite you to explore our comprehensive blog posts dedicated to each muscle:

  1. Supraspinatus Muscle: Anatomy and Function – Learn more about how the supraspinatus muscle contributes to shoulder stability and movement.
  2. Infraspinatus Muscle: Anatomy and Function – Discover the role of the infraspinatus muscle in shoulder rotation and stability.
  3. Teres Minor Muscle: Anatomy and Function – Explore the function of the teres minor muscle in facilitating arm movements and shoulder stability.
  4. Subscapularis Muscle: Anatomy and Function – Delve into the anatomy and function of the subscapularis muscle, vital for internal rotation and shoulder stability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four rotator cuff muscles play a crucial role in maintaining shoulder function and stability. Understanding their anatomy and function is essential for athletes, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in optimizingshoulder health. For more in-depth information on each muscle, visit our blog posts linked above and empower yourself with knowledge about your body’s intricate mechanisms.

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