In a client diagnosed with a rotator cuff lesion, which structure is most likely affected?

In a client diagnosed with a rotator cuff lesion, the structure most likely affected is the tendon. The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles (the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) and the tendons that connect these muscles to the humerus. When a rotator cuff injury occurs, it typically involves a tear or degeneration of the tendons associated with these muscles, rather than a direct injury to the muscles themselves, the bone, or the nerves.

Understanding this context is crucial because while the muscles provide strength and movement for shoulder stability, it’s the tendons that play a critical role in attaching these muscles to the bone. Damage or lesions to the tendons can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion, which are hallmark symptoms of rotator cuff disorders. In this scenario, the focus on tendons helps clarify the nature and implications of the condition affecting the rotator cuff.