The muscles that make up the rotator cuff in the shoulder are: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and the Subscapularis muscles. These muscles and their ligaments help to stabilize the glenohumeral joint and maintain the proper function of the shoulder movement. The muscles originate from the scapula and insert themselves on the upper aspect of the humerus. The main function of the Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Subscapularis muscles are to externally rotate and internally rotate the humerus and the Supraspinatus abducts the humerus. Once the arm is abducted, the rotator cuff muscles hold the glenohumeral joint in place to stabilize the joint, and then the Deltoid muscles take over to bring the arm up even further. Check out this article from your Woodbury MN Chiropractor.

Rotator cuff injuries in Woodbury MN

Rotator cuff injuries are commonly from trauma to the shoulder or they can come from "wear and tear" on the tendons themselves. Rotator cuff injuries are commonly related to repetitive overhead motions or forceful pulling motions. Athletes involved in major sports such as football, baseball, cheerleaders, swimmers, power-lifters and many more often do repetitive motions that can injure the shoulder.

Once the muscle or muscles involved in the injury are found, proper treatment must be performed. With minor injuries, rest and ice may only be needed. Some people; however, may need physiotherapy, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy and possibly surgery depending on the severity of the case.

Proper blood flow to the area will help the healing process. A shoulder that is at rest with ice on it will have less blood circulation. There are debates whether ice and rest is the best thing right after injury or is it best to get the shoulder moving to promote proper movement and function in the shoulder. From a chiropractic standpoint, in my opinion, if it is a muscle tear, it is best to rest the muscle with ice for the first few days then add in light range of motion and stretches. If it is a ligament or tendon tear, assisted passive range of motion given by the provider would be helpful to keep the shoulder moving and promote the blood flow into the injured area. Because ligaments and tendons don't have a good blood supply, unlike muscle fibers, they can not repair and heal as fast.

The practitioner will also make sure that the joints are maintained. Chiropractic adjustments can help provide a good immune system to help with blood circulation and especially keep the joints in the shoulder mobile and nerve interference free. Taking proper care of your body by getting enough rest, proper nutrition and taking care of your shoulder as per your physician's recommendations will hopefully prevent you from having surgery.

If you do have pain in your shoulder, please seek a physician, chiropractor, shoulder or orthopedic provider so you can be taken care of properly.

Thanks for reading!

Dr. Christine Bartholomew, D.C.