Why the Rotator Cuff should not be called a Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff includes four muscles that attach to the humerus: Subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor.  These muscles have long been thought to create rotation about the humerus in the glenoid fossa (shoulder joint).  However, recent studies have shown that large muscles are the ones who do rotation.  Muscles such as the deltoid have a longer lever, thus giving it more leverage to produce large movements. 

So what do the small muscles such as the rotator cuff do?  They COMPRESS or hold the joint in place to allow for rotation to occur.  Hence, the more appropriate term for rotator cuff would be the COMPRESSOR CUFF. 

I you are biomechanically inclined, compare the lever arms of deltoid and the compressor cuff.  An analogy would be like two people opening a door.  If one person was pushing at or near the hinges, and another person were pushing at or near the door knob, the person at the door knob would be the one doing the majority of the work. 

For rehabilitation of the compressor cuff, should not be limited to traditional rotator cuff exercises.  Though it may be a good start for rehabilitaiton, progression should include functional exercises that require compression.  Rehabilitation should be progressed to include pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying exercises.