Does supraspinatus abduct the shoulder?

The supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula, passes under the acromion, and inserts on the superior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus. It is responsible for the initiation of arm abduction and is in control of the motion up to the first 15 degrees of abduction.

Which movement at shoulder gets restricted when supraspinatus is torn?

These traumatic tears predominantly affect the supraspinatus tendon or the rotator interval and symptoms include severe pain that radiates through the arm, and limited range of motion, specifically during abduction of the shoulder.

Can a tear in the supraspinatus tendon heal itself?

In this study, 24 patients who had full thickness supraspinatus tears and who opted to forego surgery were tracked over time. In 2 of the 24 patients, the rotator cuff tear completely healed on its own. In 9 of the 24 the tear was smaller.

Does supraspinatus initiate abduction?

Conclusions: Supraspinatus is recruited prior to movement of the humerus into abduction but not earlier than many other shoulder muscles, including infraspinatus, deltoid and axioscapular muscles. The common statement that supraspinatus initiates abduction is therefore, misleading.

How long does it take for a supraspinatus tear to heal?

In majority of the recovery can take 4 to 6 months or longer, depending on the size of the tear. Most activities can be resumed at 6 months, however the rotator cuff will heal for up to a year.

How do you fix a supraspinatus tear?

Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). A partial tear, however, may need only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a debridement. A complete tear is repaired by stitching the tendon back to its original site on the humerus.

What initiates shoulder abduction?

Muscles: supraspinatus (initiates abduction – first 15 degrees), deltoid (up to 90 degrees), trapezius and serratus anterior (scapular rotation, for abduction beyond 90 degrees). The deltoid muscle abducts the arm, but at 90 degrees the humerus bumps into the acromion.

Does supraspinatus tear need surgery?

Even though most tears cannot heal on their own, good function can often be achieved without surgery. If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because many tears will not heal without surgery.

How can I improve my shoulder abduction?

Shoulder abduction: Stand and hold a weight in your hand with your palm facing your body. Slowly raise your arm to the side with your thumb pointing up. Then raise your arm over your head as far as you can without pain. Hold this position for as long as directed.