Anatomy and Asana: I Love Anatomy Ezine
www.anatomyandasana.com
By: Susi Hately Aldous

Exploring the Rotator Cuff

Bring your attention to your shoulder girdle. Get a feel for where your clavicles are, where your scapulae are, and how the head of your humerus settles into the shoulder socket. Allow for your breath to enter into and around the girdle, the armpit, between the ribs, filling out the shape that you are.

From this place of ease, either move one of your hands behind your back to the opposite scapula, or if you can't reach, take your mind's eye to the back of your scapula. It is from this place that we'll begin our exploration of the rotator cuff.

The rotator cuff is a series of four muscles that connect and stabilize the head of the humerus in the shoulder socket. Three of the four muscles rotate the head of the humerus. Each muscle arises on the scapula, and collectively, all four of their tendons blend with the articular capsule of the shoulder joint, creating a cuff of stability.

Specifically, the rotator cuff consists of the infraspinatus and the teres minor, which snuggle in below the spine of the scapula; the supraspinatus, which cuddles in above the spine of the scapula; and the subscapularis, which settles in on the anterior surface of the scapula, between the scapula and rib cage (you can see these in Anatomy and Asana on page 34 or in any anatomy book).

The rotator cuff's role is important, yet it doesn't act alone. Nor can it act alone for maximum anatomical function.

Let's take a look.

The rotator cuff arises on the scapula, a normally movable and relatively unstable structure. For the cuff to work properly, the scapula must work properly. For the scapula to work properly, it's important for the muscles that stabilize the scapula to function with ease, suppleness, and balance.

Attaching to the thoracic spine are the rhomboids and the middle and lower trapezius muscles; attaching to the cervical spine are the upper trapezius and levator scapulae; and attaching to the rib cage is the serratus anterior. Balanced function will support rotator cuff function.

How does this relate to yoga asanas?

When yoga asanas are practiced with ease, body awareness, anatomical awareness, and an acceptance of current joint mobility, stability, and muscle strength, there is increased stability of both scapulae and a better foundation from which the rotator cuff can function.

Notice for yourself or your students how the scapulae are functioning. How do they move? Do they wing? Are they held high toward the ears, or is there too much length in the upper trapezius muscles, causing the blades to drop a bit too excessively down the back? Consider these factors when determining if adding strength through hand balance postures, or adding mobility by bringing the hands overhead, is necessary or appropriate.