Movement

• The rotator cuffs work together with the deltoid, teres major and other muscles near the scapula and back to externally and internally rotate the shoulder, abduct and adduct the arm and assist in elevating and depressing the shoulder and arm. Many of these movement patterns overlap each other, such as throwing a baseball or swinging an axe downward and diagonally across your body.
  
  

Stabilization

• The rotator cuffs also stabilize your shoulder joint to prevent injuries, such as dislocation, ligament and tendon tear to guide your arms to move in the proper direction that you want. They hold the ball of your upper arm bone firmly in your shoulder socket. This allows your shoulder to move within its full range of motion without tearing your joint or associating muscles.
  
  

Kinetic Chain Concept

• The kinetic chain is a concept that describes every part of your body, including your nerves, muscles, bones and vessels. These are connected to each other by the nervous system and fascia. When one part of your body is moving correctly, then it will enhance the movement of another body part that can be close or distant from the original body part. However, when one part is injured or moves improperly, then it can cause problems in other body parts in a chain reaction. Therefore, when you apply the kinetic chain concept into the responsibilities of the rotator cuffs, this muscle group has secondary functions other than moving and stabilizing the shoulder joint, according to massage therapist Thomas Myers, author of "Anatomy Trains." Your rotator cuffs are part of several myofascial lines, which is a series of connective tissues that surrounds and holds your muscles, tendons, nerves, and other organs together. One such line, the lateral line, runs from the side of your outer foot and lower leg, up through your outer thigh, hip, and torso and into your rotator cuffs, shoulders, the side of your neck. Thus, the rotator cuffs play a role in lateral torso and hip movements, such as bending your torso to the side in a standing position.
  
  

Warning

• Because your shoulders are one of the movable parts in your body, your rotator cuffs can be easily injured during exercise or activities, especially in movements involving overhead throws, according to the Mayo Clinic. Strengthen your rotator cuffs by incorporating them with other muscle groups, such as pushing, pulling and overhead lifting exercises.