The rotator cuff muscles are important in the stability of the shoulder. Due to the flat surface of the glenoid, upon shoulder abduction the humerus will naturally move superiorly, this is prevented by the rotator cuff muscles in this subacromial space keeping the head in its position.

One of the most common groups of conditions affecting the shoulder

Shoulder impingement, subacromial bursitis, rotator cuff syndrome, and rotator cuff tendonitis all overlap and can be a continuum of terminology representing similar pathology.

Risk factors:

• Age > 60
• Hx of superior labral tears
• Shoulder injury
• repetetive overhead activity

PC

*Presence of R/F

• Shoulder pain
  • At the side of the arm (at the delt)
• Shoulder weakness
• Loss of active ROM
• Deltoid pain/fatigue - Delt cannot compensate for deficient rotator cuff
• Night pain - When rolling onto affected side

On examination:

• Pain and weakness on:
  • External rotation test
  • Empty can test