Question

Using manual resistance, the client attempts to medially rotate the shoulder. This is likely to engage which of the rotator cuff muscles?

Answer 1

The subscapularis muscle is the primary muscle engaged during medial rotation of the shoulder when using manual resistance. It is one of the four rotator cuff muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client attempts to medially rotate the shoulder using manual resistance, the primary muscle that is engaged is the subscapularis. This muscle originates on the anterior surface of the scapula and attaches to the lesser tubercle of the humerus. As one of the four rotator cuff muscles, which include the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor, the subscapularis is responsible for medially rotating the arm at the shoulder.

During this motion, the subscapularis tendon assists in holding the head of the humerus within the glenoid cavity of the scapula, effectively stabilizing the shoulder joint.