You definitely wouldn't be able to move your arm without the muscles that make up your rotator cuff. It's an important muscle group! Unfortunately, rotator cuff injuries are common and can be debilitating for some. That being said, the rotator cuff muscles should be strengthened intentionally with care.
There are four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. These are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. They work together to provide stabilization for your shoulder joint and assist in moving your arm. Some rotator cuff injuries occur from repetitive movements that cause the muscles to become overworked. This can lead to impingement or even a tear.
The best way to keep your rotator cuff muscles healthy and your shoulder pain-free is to do strengthening and stretching exercises for the specific area regularly. Scroll through our exercises below to see which movements are best to put into your current routine. If you do have an existing shoulder or rotator cuff injury, please consult with your healthcare professional to choose which exercises are best for you.
Joel Runyon is the founder of IMPOSSIBLE® and IMPOSSIBLE Fitness®. An endurance athlete and entrepreneur - he's also the creator of MoveWellApp and owns Ultimate Meal Plans. Find out what next challenge Joel is crossing off his impossible list here.
