Rotator Cuff Syndrome

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis) that help to stabilize the shoulder joint during movement. These muscles, and associated tendons can become dysfunctional secondary to trauma, overuse, impaired postures, or a combination. Often times there is associated inflammation with these injuries, which if not addressed, can create a chronic issue. Dysfunction in the rotator cuff will often cause shoulder pain, making it difficult to perform activities of daily living, reaching above shoulder height, and lifting objects with the arm extended. Our therapist are trained to determine which muscles are involved, and to create an individualized program targeted at regaining normal use and biomechanics.

Associated symptoms:

  • Anterolateral shoulder pain that radiates down to the middle part of your upper arm.  
  • Pain with movement (i.e. reaching up, or behind one’s back)
  • Pain with use (i.e. lifting objects, pushing/pulling objects)
  • Pain lying on the affected side
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Shoulder popping or clicking