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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Musculoskeletal Conditions

Rotator cuff

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, rotator cuff means: A group of four muscles and their tendons around the shoulder joint, which keep the top of the arm bone centred in the joint and help to rotate and lift the arm.

In Turkish: rotator manşet

How it is used

The four muscles are supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. Physiotherapists treat rotator cuff tendinopathy, tears and repairs after surgery, and often prescribe rotator cuff strengthening with a resistance band. Patients may just say 'my shoulder'.

Example sentences

  1. The scan showed a small rotator cuff tear.

  2. These rotator cuff exercises will help you control your shoulder better.

Common collocations

  • rotator cuff tear
  • rotator cuff repair
  • rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • rotator cuff strengthening
  • tendinopathyA painful tendon problem, often linked to more load than the tendon could cope with, which leads to pain and reduced function.
  • abductionA movement that takes a limb away from the midline of the body, such as lifting the arm out to the side.
  • rotationA turning movement of a part of the body around its own long axis, such as turning the head or turning the arm inwards or outwards.
  • frozen shoulderA condition in which the shoulder capsule becomes thick and tight, causing pain and a gradual, severe loss of movement, especially rotation.

More terms: Musculoskeletal Conditions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.