What muscles make up the Rotator Cuff?
The Rotator Cuff is made up of four small muscles situated close to the ball and socket joint of your shoulder (Glenohumeral joint). These muscles work as a unit, rather than individually. Often people injure one particular member of the Rotator Cuff (the most common diagnosis is Supraspinatus Tendinitis), however most injuries usually involve more than one muscle. The Supraspinatus is the uppermost muscle of the Rotator Cuff which passes beneath the bone on the top of the shoulder (Acromion). This muscle permits lateral movement away from the midline of the body, so you can move your upper arm up the side and away (abduction). When your arm is raised in a forward position, this tendon and supporting bursa can be pinched (impingement), which causes them to become inflamed and swollen. The Subscapularis is the Humeral head depressor and internal, medial rotator. This muscle allows you to move your upper arm inward and toward the centre of your body. It is located at the front of the sho
