What is my “rotor cuff” ?!

First things first - it is commonly mispronounced “rotor”. In actuality, it is the “rotator” cuff, because it rotates (and stabilizes) the arm (humerus) in the shoulder joint!

The rotator cuff consists of 4 muscles: Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, and Subscapularis

If your doctor reports a rotator cuff tear or injury, be sure to ask him “which muscle of the rotator cuff?”

These muscles are important because they act to mobilize and stabilize the shoulder in all daily activities, not just sports! Every activity from brushing your hair, to dressing yourself, to tying your shoe requires shoulder motion. It is important to keep these muscles functioning and healthy because injury could cause immobilization. If the shoulder is immobilized for any length of time scar tissue and adhesions begin to form around the injury and around the entire shoulder… causing Frozen Shoulder! Frozen Shoulder is very painful and needs to be treated quickly to prevent permanent impairment.

Going to a chiropractor is a drug free, surgery free way to treat most rotator cuff injuries. If an injury is untreated and allowed to progress into Frozen Shoulder chiropractic can be a first, conservative option (before surgery!) to loosen the joint and allow for proper healing.

If you think you have a rotator cuff injury or any signs of frozen shoulder make an appointment today before it’s too late!