Shoulder Anatomy

As an acupuncturist, I have seen many patients with shoulder injuries. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and it is responsible for a wide range of movements. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that work together to stabilize the shoulder joint.

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which means that the head of the humerus bone (the ball) fits into a socket in the shoulder blade. This design allows for a wide range of motion, but it also makes the shoulder joint prone to injury. In fact, shoulder injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries seen in clinical practice.

The rotator cuff plays a crucial role in shoulder stability and movement. It consists of four muscles and their associated tendons that attach to the head of the humerus and help to hold it in place within the socket. These muscles also work together to lift and rotate the arm. The rotator cuff muscles include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.

The supraspinatus muscle is located at the top of the shoulder blade and helps to raise the arm. It is one of the most commonly injured rotator cuff muscles. Injuries to the supraspinatus can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

The infraspinatus muscle is located on the back of the shoulder blade and helps to rotate the arm outward. Injuries to the infraspinatus can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder, particularly when reaching behind the back.

The teres minor muscle is also located on the back of the shoulder blade and helps to rotate the arm outward. Injuries to the teres minor can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder, particularly when lifting the arm.

The subscapularis muscle is located on the front of the shoulder blade and helps to rotate the arm inward. Injuries to the subscapularis can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder, particularly when lifting the arm.

Because of the importance of the shoulder and rotator cuff, any injury or dysfunction can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Common shoulder and rotator cuff injuries include rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, and frozen shoulder.

Rotator cuff tears can occur as a result of trauma, repetitive overuse, or degenerative changes. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases, surgery.

Impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed and pinched between the humerus and the acromion (a bony projection of the shoulder blade). This can lead to pain and weakness, particularly when lifting the arm. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff and painful, often resulting in limited range of motion. It may be caused by injury, overuse, or certain medical conditions. Treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases, surgery.

In conclusion, the shoulder and rotator cuff are essential for a wide range of movements and activities, and injuries or dysfunction can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. As an acupuncturist, it is crucial to understand the anatomy and function of the shoulder and rotator cuff and to be familiar with common injuries and treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent long-term complications and improve patient outcomes. Stay tuned I have a couple articles coming up that details how we can leverage acupuncture to help treat common shoulder ailments as well as exercise we can do to help strengthen the surrounding tissues.