The rotator cuff is a tendon that wraps around the top of the humerus (arm) bone.  It helps the arm to turn in or out.

The direct muscles involved in the rotator cuff are: Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, teres major, and subscapularis.

The indirect muscles/tissues that may be inplicated in a rotator cuff injury are: trapezius, levator scapulae, deltoid, posterior serratus, anterior serratus, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, scalenes and the fascia of the whole body.

Rotator cuff injuries occur in the same manner other musculo/skeletal injuries occur, through repetitive movements, using the shoulder at an odd angle, subluxtion (ability to move in and out of alignment) of the humerus bone.  Unfortunately the tears that can occur to the tendon are difficult to heal because tendons do not have many blood vessels to bring in healing nutrients.  If the tears are small enough they may repair using drugs or alternative therapies to reduce inflammation quickly, massage and mobilization techniques.

In my Treatment Room, to treat rotator cuff injuries I use K Tape to reduce inflammation, support and aid the natural healing processes, massage, mobilisation techniques, stretching and toning movements.

National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health