What does the Rotator Cuff do?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles attaching from the scapula that work together keep the ball (humeral head) centred in the socket (glenoid). Good rotator cuff function is therefore needed to prevent excessive 'wear and tear' of the shoulder joint that may lead to early osteoarthritis.

The tendons of the rotator cuff that attach onto the humeral head naturally thin with age and become more susceptible to tearing. A gym program aimed at strengthening the shoulder needs to incorporate good rotator cuff activity whilst not putting the tendons under excessive stress. This becomes particularly important for people over 40 years of age.

More shoulder questions

• How may physiotherapy help an injured shoulder?

• What causes a frozen shoulder?

• How do you treat a frozen shoulder?

• What does the Rotator Cuff do?

• What can physiotherapy do for a Rotator Cuff tear?

• Why is the scapula (shoulder blade) important?

• What is a winging scapula?

• What is sub-acromial impingement?

• How can physiotherapy treatment help sub-acromial impingement symptoms?

• Do I need to stop training in the gym if I have shoulder pain?

• Are there certain gym exercises that are bad for shoulders?

• Do I need to do exercises for my sore shoulder?