How many times have you heard someone tell you that they have a rotator cuff issue but don’t really seem to know much more about it? Maybe you are that person, and you have been told that you have a rotator cuff tear.
When Jen and myself are told this, our next question nearly always is, which muscle is effected? And we are always surprised when no one ever knows, because the belief is that the rotator cuff is one muscle… and it is not.
It is in fact four muscles; supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis, all of which have slightly different actions at your shoulder and will direct where we massage you as well as which exercises and stretches, we will give you as homework to aid your recovery.
Together, your rotator cuff muscles support the relatively shallow glenohumeral joint. Essentially prevents your humerus bone, your arm, from falling out of it and keeps it properly located during all the amazing movements it is capable of performing.
The Supraspinatus
The supraspinatus is a common culprit for issues, as it does a lot of work in preventing gravitational forces that pull your arm downwards as well as stabilising the head of the humerus. If you have an issue, it can be easy to overdo it, and even more easily to under-do it too. That is, restrict movement and protect it more than necessary which in turn can make recovery take a lot longer and potentially lead to other problems, like frozen shoulder. Women over 35 years old are at greater risk of frozen shoulder than any other group of people.
Want to have healthy strong shoulders – then get your whole body strong and don’t skip the arm exercises, especially if you’re a woman.
Not sure where to start? Chloe offers one to one Personal Training to help you recover from painful issues, as well as the massage of course. Book your massage with Jen or myself at www.astralfitness.co.uk and message Chloe at facebook.com/astralsportsmassage to enquire about PT.
Thank you for taking time to read this week’s blog – Your Shoulders – Know Your Body.
Don’t forget to get your next sports massage at www.astralfitness.co.uk. You can use my Booking Link or check out my website for a little further information at www.astralfitness.co.uk
We look forward to helping you.
Chloe & Jen