Synopsis: 23

ROTATOR CUFF RELATED SHOULDER PAIN

Dr. H Karavanan

Manipal College of Health Professions

Mangalore

The Rotator cuff muscles arise from the scapula and converge with the capsule of the Glenohumeral joint to attach on the tuberosity of the humerus. The function of the rotator cuff is to keep the humeral head centered on the glenoid of the scapula, thus optimizing the effect of the other muscles around the shoulder. The cuff functions by compressing the joint to improve stability, resisting sliding or translation and providing some rotation about any or all of the three major axes. Joint stability is achieved almost entirely by the rotator cuff in the shoulder’s midrange positions, because all the passive restraints are lax in these positions. Injury to the rotator cuff can occur as a result of many different mechanisms and can lead to a spectrum of injuries ranging from minor para tendonitis and strains to partial and full thickness tears. To understand the many types of rotator cuff conditions, the clinician must have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and function of this unique muscle group and must appreciate tile inherent demands and the stresses, both normal and abnormal, placed on it. Rotator cuff related shoulder pain is term that encompasses a spectrum of shoulder conditions, including; subacromial impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and symptomatic partial and full thickness rotator cuff tears. The treatment for those who diagnosed with rotator cuff related shoulder pain is to achieve symptom free shoulder movement and function.