The Shoulder Rotator Cuff

Most people who exercise have shoulder pain at some time or another. The structure of the shoulder joint itself is to blame for some of this pain .Like the hip, the shoulder is a ball and socket joint, however, the hip socket is deeper, which gives it more stability.The hip socket is deeper, which gives it more stability.The benefit to the shoulder's shallow socket is increased mobility. Watching a few softball pitches in slow motion will give you a whole new appreciation for the mobility of the rotator cuff. Also, thinking back to our calculations about torque and levers, remember that the long arm segments can apply huge force to the shallow shoulder socket. For a person with average length arms, 10 pounds held straight out creates 45 pounds of force at the shoulder.The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the shoulder have a lot of work to do. Keeping the shoulder blades or scapula down and in as you perform upper body exercises gives the shoulder girdle good support. You'll learn more about the shoulder region in an upcoming muscular focus lesson.