Rotator Cuff Roadmap: Navigating Injury, Treatment, and Exercise for Optimal Healing
Updated: Nov 8

Rotator cuff injuries are a common occurrence, impacting both the athletic and the not-so-athletic individuals. Early diagnosis is paramount in pinpointing the root cause, initiating the correct treatment plan, and averting further damage. So, let's delve into the intricacies of rotator cuff muscles with a touch of humor and a healthy dose of optimism!
This article will traverse through the anatomy of the rotator cuff muscles and their role in shoulder-related functions. Additionally, we'll delve into essential diagnostic steps before embarking on the journey to recovery, alongside discussions on both soft tissue and osseous treatment and exercises.
Article Index:
Introduction
Anatomy & Biomechanics
Examination & Diagnosis
Treatment
Exercise
Conclusion & References

Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries can occur for various reasons, including micro-trauma, wear and tear, traumatic events (think: falls with outstretched hands or dislocations), and secondary dysfunctions. We're looking at tears, tendinitis, tendinopathy, and impingement syndrome!
A few factors might make you more prone to rotator cuff tears, such as smoking, Type 1 Diabetes, joint capsule inflammation, frozen shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid conditions, and poor vascularization.
Signs You Might Have a Rotator Cuff Injury If you're experiencing a rotator cuff injury, you might notice the following symptoms:
Pain when reaching overhead or flexing your arm forward
Intense pain during the injury and at night
A positive Painful Arc Sign (a test used to spot possible subacromial impingement, although it's not foolproof)
Weakness in the affected muscle
Pain specific to a certain location, like the supraspinatus
Complaints of clicking, catching, stiffness, and crepitus
Practitioners: When discussing pain with a patient, getting the full picture is essential. Ask about:
Location (as specific as possible)
Radiation
Quality
Severity and quantity (including any functional limitations)
Precipitating factors
Relieving factors
By understanding the ins and outs of rotator cuff injuries, we can better diagnose, treat, and prevent these injuries!
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Anatomy & Biomechanics
Prepared for a quick journey through the anatomy and biomechanics of our reliable rotator cuff (SITS) muscles? Let's delve in!

Supraspinatus Muscle
Origin: Supraspinous fossa on the scapula
Insertion: Superior facet of the greater tubercle
Action: Abducting the humerus
Innervation: Suprascapular nerve (C5)
Infraspinatus Muscle
Origin: Infraspinous fossa on the scapula
Insertion: Middle facet of the greater tubercle
Action: Externally rotating the humerus
Innervation: Suprascapular nerve (C5-C6)
Teres minor Muscle
Origin: Middle half of the scapulae's lateral border
Insertion: Inferior facet of the greater tubercle
Action: Externally rotating the humerus (again!)
Innervation: Axillary nerve (C5)
Subscapularis muscle
Origin: Subscapular fossa on the scapula
Insertion: Lesser tubercle
Action: Internally rotating the humerus
Innervation: Upper and Lower subscapular nerves (C5-C6)
In wrapping up this section, let's reflect on the functional marvels of our rotator cuff muscles. The Supraspinatus initiates the arm's first 15 degrees of abduction, setting the stage for the deltoid muscle to carry on the motion. The Infraspinatus and Teres Minor excel in external rotation, vital in actions like throwing a ball. Conversely, the Subscapularis, the powerhouse among them, leads in internal rotation, aiding in tasks like turning a doorknob. Their collaborative effort underpins the seamless synchronization of shoulder movements, displaying a remarkable blend of strength and flexibility in every gesture.
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Examination and Diagnosis
A shoulder examination should include both comprehensive orthopedic and neurological assessments. Diagnostic imaging is crucial for traumatic cases where manual therapy hasn't worked within 3 to 6 weeks and for our more experienced, mature folks (I was born in the late 50s).
When diagnosing a shoulder injury, remember to:
Take a thorough history to pinpoint the issue accurately.
Confirm that you're dealing with a musculoskeletal injury rather than a visceral disorder or a serious, potentially life-threatening condition.
Conduct a complete workup involving orthopedic, neurological, and vascular tests.
Consider a differential diagnosis.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to understanding the nature of the shoulder injury and providing the most effective treatment possible.
Exam Demonstration Videos
Shoulder Examination - Orthopaedic Testing
This video teaches some common causes of shoulder pain and how to diagnose them using orthopaedic examination procedures.
Upper Limb Neuro Exam
The upper limb neurological examination is part of the overall neurological examination process and is used to assess the motor and sensory neurons which supply the upper limbs. This assessment helps to detect any impairment of the nervous system.
Peripheral Vascular Examination - Key Points
A peripheral vascular examination is a valuable tool for ruling out signs of vascular-related pathology. The detection and subsequent treatment of PVD can potentially mitigate cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications.

Imaging
When further insight is needed post patient history and physical examination, advanced diagnostic imaging techniques are enlisted. These methods are crucial for identifying fractures (from trauma), infections, degenerative joint issues, osteoporosis, and stubborn pathologies resistant to conservative treatment.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is favored for shoulder imaging due to its superior soft tissue contrast and multi-planar capabilities. It facilitates precise assessments of shoulder structures like the rotator cuff tendons, muscles, labrum, and capsule, aiding in the detection of partial or complete tears, tendinopathies, and inflammation.
Additional imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT (Computed Tomography), and ultrasound may also be employed. X-rays are effective for evaluating bone alignment, identifying fractures, and detecting arthritis. CT scans provide a more intricate view of bones, useful in visualizing complex fractures and assessing joint integrity. Ultrasound offers a non-invasive, real-time examination of tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues, especially during shoulder movement.
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Differential Diagnosis
When it comes to shoulder injuries, it's important to differentiate between various conditions. Some of the differentials to consider include the following:
Acromioclavicular injury: Damage to the AC joint, often from direct impact or falls. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Adhesive Capsulitis: AKA frozen shoulder, marked by stiffness, pain, and restricted range of motion due to a thickened and tightened joint capsule.
Biceps Tendonitis/tendinopathy: Inflammation or degeneration of the biceps tendon, causing shoulder and upper arm pain and weakness.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Calcific Tendonitis: Calcium deposits in rotator cuff tendons, causing inflammation, pain, and restricted range of motion.
Cervical nerve root injury, Cervical Radiculopathy, Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical spine-related conditions, often causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness from the neck to the arm.
Glenohumeral ligament tears: Damage to the shoulder-stabilizing ligaments, causing pain, instability, and potential dislocation.
Glenoid labrum tear: Damage to the shoulder socket's fibrocartilaginous rim. SLAP and Bankart lesions are specific types of labral tears. Symptoms include pain, instability, and clicking or catching sensations.
Myocardial Infarction: A heart attack which can cause referred pain to the shoulder and arm, along with chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
Nerve entrapment: Compression of shoulder-adjacent nerves, causing pain, numbness, or tingling radiating down the arm.
Osteoarthritis: Joint cartilage degeneration, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder.
Shoulder dislocation: The humeral head slips out of the shoulder socket, usually due to trauma, causing severe pain, swelling, and an inability to move the joint.
Subacromial Impingement: Compression of the rotator cuff tendons and/or bursa, causing pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion.
TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome): Compression of nerves and blood vessels, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
Considering these differential diagnoses, you can help pinpoint the underlying cause of a shoulder injury and develop an effective treatment plan.
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Treatment Overview
The good news for most people is that, according to medical studies, 8 out of 10 rotator cuff injuries can be effectively treated without surgery. This means that manual therapy and exercise are often the first courses of action to consider for recovery. Before we get into a discussion on manual therapy, let take about the three phases of treatment:
Conservative therapy and exercises for shoulder injuries can typically be divided into three phases. Patients need to show functional progress before moving on to the next treatment phase:
Phase 1: Acute Phase
Phase 2: Intermediate Phase
Phase 3: Athletic Training

Phase 1 - The Acute Phase
During the Acute Phase, our objectives are to:
Reduce pain and inflammation.
Minimize muscle tightness and spasms through heat, manual therapy, and potentially pharmaceutical intervention (based on healthcare provider recommendations).
Enhance pain-free range of motion for active and passive movements, often achievable with soft-tissue therapy, joint manipulation, and exercise.
Introduce exercises to prevent muscle atrophy using appropriate isometric exercises involving static muscle contractions without visible joint angle movement.
Incorporate exercises to improve proprioception (body awareness).

Phase 2 - The Intermediate Phase
Before progressing to the Intermediate Phase of rehabilitation, the patient should demonstrate the following:
Improved range of motion with minimal pain.
Enhanced static stability.
Better muscle and nerve control.
During the Intermediate Phase, our treatment goals are to:
Increase strength and muscle control by introducing isotonic exercises, where the muscle changes length against constant weight, like lifting a dumbbell.
Enhance proprioception and muscle control through specialized exercises focusing on balance and coordination.
Boost dynamic stabilization (control during movement) with exercise.
Ensure normal shoulder joint surface movement through hands-on therapy and exercise.
Apply manual therapy techniques to alleviate muscle tightness and spasms, improve blood flow, and support better shoulder joint stability.

Phase 3 - The Advanced Phase (Athletic Training)
Before advancing to the Athletic Training Phase of rehabilitation, the patient should demonstrate the following:
Normal range of motion with little or no pain.
Good flexibility and movement in the shoulder area.
Strong muscles that assist with shoulder blade (scapula) movement.
During the Advanced Phase, our treatment goals are to:
Continue building strength with exercises involving changing muscle length while lifting weights.
Practice advanced exercises focusing on muscle control and coordination.
Work on activity or sport-specific exercises targeting strength, endurance, and power.
Increase the time, weight, and number of repetitions for exercises.
Introduce exercises involving quick, powerful movements (plyometrics).
Maintain the use of manual therapy techniques to enhance body movement and performance.
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Manual Therapy
Manual therapy employs hands-on methods to evaluate, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. In the context of shoulder injuries, manual therapy plays a vital and effective role in treatment for several reasons:
Pain relief: Techniques like soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization in manual therapy can alleviate shoulder pain by enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and relaxing tight muscles and tendons.
Improved range of motion: Manual therapy can help enhance the shoulder joint's range of motion by mobilizing stiff joints and muscles. This restores normal movement patterns and lowers the risk of additional injuries.
Promoting healing: Manual therapy methods can trigger the body's natural healing response by boosting blood flow and oxygen delivery to the injured area. This contributes to shorter recovery times and facilitates tissue healing.
Addressing underlying issues: Manual therapy can also tackle underlying factors that might contribute to shoulder injuries, such as improper posture, muscle imbalances, and joint dysfunction.
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO MANUAL THERAPY:
Before getting into the nuances of manual therapy, practitioners must confirm that the issue is musculoskeletal (MSK) before applying any manual therapy techniques. Proper patient screening is crucial to determine the likelihood of serious pathology.
Common contraindications for shoulder manual therapy include:
Active inflammatory or septic arthritis.
Signs of vascular disease or serious conditions mimicking MSK issues (e.g., aortic aneurysm).
Joint and ligament instability.
Excessive swelling or pain.
Active bone disease or malignancy (cancer).
Non-mechanical causes of pain.
Indications of cervical spine pathology.
Progressive neurological deficit.
Signs of visceral pain referral patterns.
Fracture or dislocation.
By considering these contraindications, healthcare professionals can ensure they provide safe and effective treatment for shoulder injuries.
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Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization can help to ease pain and enhance function by breaking down scar tissue, adhesions, and knots in the soft tissue, boosting circulation, and minimizing inflammation. Soft tissue mobilization techniques encompass many procedures, such as Motion Specific Release (MSR), massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, pin and stretch modalities, and many other methods.
During soft tissue mobilization sessions, the therapist employs pressure and manipulates the soft tissue structures using techniques like kneading, stretching, and compression. The therapist might use their hands, fingers, or specialized instruments to apply pressure and work with the tissues.
Motion Specific Release Demonstration Video
Rotator Cuff Roadmap: Overcoming Injury
In this video featuring Dr. Abelson, the creator of Motion Specific Release, and Miki Burton RMT, you will see demonstrations of soft tissue techniques and targeted exercises to address a rotator cuff injury.
Soft tissue treatments start at the time stamp of 01:29.
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Osseous Mobilization
The shoulder complex is a sophisticated anatomical system consisting of the glenohumeral joint and four additional joints. Contrary to popular belief, the shoulder is not composed of just one joint. Instead, it encompasses five distinct joints that work together to facilitate movement. These specific structures must be addressed if they are affected, which often occurs in a rotator cuff injury.
Effective Shoulder Joint Mobilization - MSR Protocol - Part 1
In this video, Dr. Abelson (the developer of MSR) demonstrates highly effective procedures for mobilizing the shoulder joint using the MSR technique. It's also essential to remember that no joint works in isolation, and a restriction or dysfunction in one area can lead to compensation elsewhere in the body. Therefore, addressing these compensations along the joint's kinetic chain is often necessary to resolve a shoulder injury.
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Treatment Frequency
The frequency of manual treatment is tailored to the severity of the injury. Mild injuries often require less intensive therapy, allowing for an early transition to self-managed care. Moderate injuries demand a more structured approach to navigate through healing phases and initiate rehabilitation. Severe, especially post-surgical injuries, necessitate intensive, prolonged therapy to ensure optimal recovery, manage scar tissue, and restore function while preventing secondary complications. Each injury grade thus dictates a distinct therapy approach and frequency, aligning with individualized therapeutic needs for optimal healing and functionality restoration.
Grade 1 Tear (Mild):
Initial: Weekly to bi-weekly visits
Duration: 2-3 weeks, transitioning to home exercises and self-management
Approximate Total Treatment Appointments: A total of 3 to 6 appointments, followed by 1 or 2 follow-up appointments, depending on patient response.
Grade 2 Tear (Moderate):
Initial: Weekly to bi-weekly visits
Duration: 3-6 weeks, then tapering off as symptoms improve and home exercises progress
Approximate Total Appointments: 3 to 12 appointments, followed by 1 or 2 follow-up appointments, depending on patient response.
Grade 3 Tear (Severe - Requires Surgery):
In severe cases, post-operative rehabilitation begins with managing pain and swelling, and immobilizing the ankle. Early rehabilitation introduces weight-bearing and basic exercises. Intermediate rehabilitation advances strengthening and proprioception. Late rehabilitation intensifies strength training and introduces sport-specific exercises. Finally, a gradual return to full activities commences.
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Exercises
Every shoulder injury should be evaluated and managed as a unique issue specific to the individual. This principle extends to the creation of a personalized exercise program. For rotator cuff injuries, exercise regimens should be organized into three main components:
Mobility and flexibility: Enhancing mobility and flexibility is crucial for a full recovery from a rotator cuff injury, as it helps restore the shoulder's normal range of motion, alleviates pain, and prevents the development of compensatory movement patterns that can lead to further issues.
Strengthening: Strengthening exercises are vital for rebuilding the injured rotator cuff muscles and surrounding supportive structures, which in turn improves shoulder stability, reduces the risk of re-injury, and helps patients return to their daily activities and sports with confidence.
Proprioception: Focusing on proprioception during recovery from a rotator cuff injury is essential for restoring the body's awareness of the shoulder's position and movement, enhancing neuromuscular control, and preventing injury recurrence by promoting more efficient and coordinated movement patterns.
Rotator Cuff Roadmap: Overcoming Injury
In this video featuring Dr. Abelson, the creator of Motion Specific Release, and Miki Burton RMT, you will see demonstrations of soft tissue techniques and targeted exercises to address a rotator cuff injury.
The exercise portion of this video starts at a time stamp of 08:00. Note that these exercises could be prescribed for a rotator cuff injury and are not recommendations for a specific case.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, rotator cuff injuries can be effectively managed through a comprehensive approach involving a thorough assessment, personalized exercise programs, and manual therapy techniques. By focusing on mobility and flexibility, strengthening, and proprioception, patients can experience significant improvement in pain, function, and overall recovery.
It's essential for healthcare professionals to consider each patient's unique needs and circumstances when developing a treatment plan and to monitor progress throughout the rehabilitation process closely. Through this individualized and multidimensional approach, most rotator cuff injuries can be successfully treated without surgery, leading to improved quality of life and a return to normal activities for patients.
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DR. BRIAN ABELSON DC. - The Author

Dr. Abelson is committed to running an evidence-based practice (EBP) incorporating the most up-to-date research evidence. He combines his clinical expertise with each patient's specific values and needs to deliver effective, patient-centred personalized care.
As the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems developer, Dr. Abelson operates a clinical practice in Calgary, Alberta, under Kinetic Health. He has authored ten publications and continues offering online courses and his live programs to healthcare professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in treating musculoskeletal conditions. By staying current with the latest research and offering innovative treatment options, Dr. Abelson is dedicated to helping his patients achieve optimal health and wellness.
Despite being in the field for over three decades, Dr. Abelson remains open to welcoming new patients at Kinetic Health, save for the periods he dedicates to teaching or enjoying travels with his cherished wife, Kamali. However, be forewarned, he will anticipate your commitment to carry out the prescribed exercises and punctuality for your appointments (smile). His dedication towards your health is absolute, particularly in ensuring that you can revel in life unimpeded. He genuinely delights in greeting both new faces and familiar ones at the clinic (403-241-3772).

Revolutionize Your Practice with Motion Specific Release (MSR)!
MSR, a cutting-edge treatment system, uniquely fuses varied therapeutic perspectives to resolve musculoskeletal conditions effectively.
Attend our courses to equip yourself with innovative soft-tissue and osseous techniques that seamlessly integrate into your clinical practice and empower your patients by relieving their pain and restoring function. Our curriculum marries medical science with creative therapeutic approaches and provides a comprehensive understanding of musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment methods.
Our system offers a blend of orthopedic and neurological assessments, myofascial interventions, osseous manipulations, acupressure techniques, kinetic chain explorations, and functional exercise plans.
With MSR, your practice will flourish, achieve remarkable clinical outcomes, and see patient referrals skyrocket. Step into the future of treatment with MSR courses and membership!
References
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Yamaguchi, K., Tetro, A.M., Blam, O., Evanoff, B.A., Teefey, S.A., & Middleton, W.D. (2001). Natural history of asymptomatic rotator cuff tears: a longitudinal analysis of asymptomatic tears detected sonographically. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 10(3), 199-203.
Rees, J.D., Wilson, A.M., & Wolman, R.L. (2006). Current concepts in the management of tendon disorders. Rheumatology, 45(5), 508-521.
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Tashjian, R.Z. (2012). Epidemiology, natural history, and indications for treatment of rotator cuff tears. Clinical Sports Medicine, 31(4), 589-604.
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Itoi, E., Kido, T., Sano, A., Urayama, M., & Sato, K. (1999). Which is more useful, the "full can test" or the "empty can test," in detecting the torn supraspinatus tendon? The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 27(1), 65-68.
Kelly, B.T., Kadrmas, W.R., & Speer, K.P. (1996). The manual muscle examination for rotator cuff strength: an electromyographic investigation. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 24(5), 581-588.
Smith, J., Kotajarvi, B.R., Padgett, D.J., & Eischen, J.J. (2002). Effect of scapular protraction and retraction on isometric shoulder elevation strength. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 83(3), 367-370.
Ellenbecker, T.S., & Davies, G.J. (2000). The application of isokinetics in testing and rehabilitation of the shoulder complex. Journal of Athletic Training, 35(3), 338-350.
Holmgren, T., Bjornsson Hallgren, H., Oberg, B., Adolfsson, L., & Johansson, K. (2012). Effect of specific exercise strategy on need for surgery in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: randomised controlled study. British Medical Journal, 344, e787.
Kuhn, J.E. (2009). Exercise in the treatment of rotator cuff impingement: a systematic review and a synthesized evidence-based rehabilitation protocol. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 18(1), 138-160.
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