Importance of the Rotator Cuff Muscles in Shoulder Function

The rotator cuff muscles (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, and Subscapularis) play an important role in providing shoulder stability. The Gleno-humeral joint (shoulder joint) lacks primary support and is often compared to a golf ball on a tee. Thus, it relies on secondary muscle support for stability. The rotator cuff muscles are collectively known as ‘humeral head depressors’ and they act together to keep the humeral head in place within the glenoid fossa (socket).

Many conditions can cause weakness in these muscles which can result in pain, instability, immobility, and weakness; eventually leading to degenerative changes.

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