It is also the least stable joint in the human body, which is why it is the most commonly dislocated joint.
Most people think of the glenohumeral joint as the shoulder joint, but the shoulder complex actually consists of four joints. These joints are the glenohumeral joint, the sternoclavicular joint, the acromioclavicular joint and the scapulothoracic joint.
When you move your arm, accessory movements or joint play motions occur within each of these joints. These movements include roll, spin, and glide and are important for proper joint function.
Due to the limited bony stability of the glenohumeral joint, the rotator cuff muscles play a key role in stabilizing this joint.
The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles called the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles all originate on the scapula (shoulder blade) and insert on the humerus.
Besides contributing to the stability of the glenohumeral joint, the rotator cuff muscles also create internal and external rotation and contribute to arm abduction and humeral head depression. Humeral head depression is important because without this, shoulder impingement results.
Shoulder impingement creates pain and inflammation, leading to decreased motion and strength.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, we are here to help!
We can be sure that all the joints of your shoulder complex are moving properly and that your rotator cuff muscles are functioning well.
The warm weather is here and with it comes many fun activities, such as gardening, volleyball, baseball, swimming, tennis, and water sports.
Don’t let shoulder pain keep you from enjoying this summer!
Give us a call so we can help: 262.264.8701
