Physical therapy for rotator cuff injuries typically involves a combination of exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. But before we delve into the importance of physical therapy for the shoulders, let’s learn a bit about the anatomy: what are rotator cuffs and their role in our body?
Rotator cuffs are an anatomical term that is used to define a group of four distinct muscles in the shoulder region, which stabilize and strengthen the glenohumeral, also known as the shoulder, joint and allow rotational movements of the humerus. The rotator cuff is comprised of the following four muscles:
These muscles are also known as SITS muscles. Each capital letter in the mnemonic refers to the first letter of each muscle. All these muscles arise from the scapula and insert into the humerus, forming an envelope around the shoulder.
There are many causes of shoulder pain, ranging from overuse injuries to underlying medical conditions. One of the most common causes includes rotator cuff injury, which can result from sudden trauma, tears, or inflammation in these structures, leading to shoulder pain.
Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of rotator cuff lesions:
To learn more, book an appointment at www.totalhealth.ky or call +1 (345) 333-2222 and visit our location where our skilled clinicians and physical therapists are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal recovery and function.
