What overhead arm positioning should be avoided to reduce rotator cuff impingement risk?

What overhead arm positioning should be avoided to reduce rotator cuff impingement risk?

• A. Holding arms at sides
• B. Raising hands above shoulders
• C. Reaching to chest level
• D. Keeping elbows locked

Answer: (B)

Overhead arm positions push the rotator cuff tendons through a tight passage under the acromion. When the hands are raised above shoulder level, the subacromial space narrows, increasing the likelihood that the tendons and bursa become pinched during movement. This is the mechanism behind rotator cuff impingement. Keeping the arms at or below shoulder height preserves more space for the tendons to move smoothly, reducing impingement risk. Reaching to chest level stays in a safer range, and holding arms at the sides avoids the overhead compression altogether. Keeping elbows locked isn’t the primary factor in impingement; the critical issue is elevation above the shoulder.

Overhead arm positions push the rotator cuff tendons through a tight passage under the acromion. When the hands are raised above shoulder level, the subacromial space narrows, increasing the likelihood that the tendons and bursa become pinched during movement. This is the mechanism behind rotator cuff impingement. Keeping the arms at or below shoulder height preserves more space for the tendons to move smoothly, reducing impingement risk. Reaching to chest level stays in a safer range, and holding arms at the sides avoids the overhead compression altogether. Keeping elbows locked isn’t the primary factor in impingement; the critical issue is elevation above the shoulder.