Top Signs You Have a Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles and tendons that surround the glenohumeral shoulder joint. This muscle arrangement holds the upper arm bone (humerus) in place within the glenoid socket in the scapula. These muscles and tendons give the arm and shoulder the strength and mobility to reach and push upward and outward. When a rotator cuff tear occurs, it can be a painful and debilitating injury.

Rotator cuff injuries are common, and most do not involve a complete tear. Athletes that throw or swing with their arms are prone to shoulder injuries that involve the rotator cuff. Anyone that works in a job where they lift, reach, or swing a tool also may have repetitive wear and tear on the shoulder joint, including the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tears can also be caused by an injury, usually when landing on an outstretched arm or during a vehicle accident. Partial tears and strains of the rotator cuff can usually be treated with conservative methods, but a complete rotator cuff tear may require surgery. Here are signs that you may have a rotator cuff tear.

Limited Shoulder/Arm Mobility

The rotator cuff allows the arm and shoulder to move up, down, and backward. When a rotator cuff tear occurs, this mobility may be hindered. Even if you do not have severe pain right away, you may notice you suddenly have difficulty performing certain movements. You may have a hard time reaching for something on a high shelf or tucking your shirt into your back waistband. This change in mobility can be one of the signs that you have a rotator cuff injury and possibly a tear.

Shoulder Pain Keeping You Up at Night

One of the top complaints amongst those with rotator cuff tears is difficulty sleeping due to shoulder pain. It can be hard to get comfortable when you are in bed if you have any type of shoulder injury. While shoulder pain at night could be due to arthritis or other shoulder conditions, if it occurs with some of the other signs of a rotator cuff tear, it is often the catalyst that sends you to the doctor for diagnosis or treatment.

Pain When Reaching Upward

Rotator cuff injuries can limit the upward motion of the arm, but a tear can make it almost impossible to raise your arm above shoulder level. If reaching upward is extremely painful, there is a good chance you have a partial or complete tear of a rotator cuff tendon. Most rotator cuff tears occur where the tendons attach to the bone, completely disconnecting the tendon/muscle from the bone or leaving only a few strands attached. This can make reaching upward very painful and difficult – even combing or brushing your hair can seem impossible.

Shoulder Weakness

It is not only the limited mobility and pain that can indicate a rotator cuff tear. You may find you have extreme weakness in your shoulder. Lifting anything can be difficult, even if you still have mobility. Lifting a suitcase or carrying groceries may suddenly be hard when normally these are easy tasks.

Pain When Reaching Outward

Since there are different tendons that can be torn, the pain and mobility issues for rotator cuff tear patients are also different. For some, the most intense pain is when reaching outward from the body due to the injured tendon, while others have more pain reaching behind them or upward. This can help identify which tendon is injured or torn.

Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Tears

If you have any of these signs of a rotator cuff tear, you need a professional diagnosis to determine if you have a strain, partial tear, complete tear, or other type of shoulder injury. These injuries can be complex and involve other conditions such as impingement, bursitis, or labrum tears. X-rays, MRIs, and other tests may be needed to determine the extent of the injury. Minor rotator cuff tears rarely need surgery, but more severe or complete tears may require the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon.

If you have signs of a rotator cuff tear or injury, come see us at DOCS Health. Our orthopedic surgeons and joint specialists can accurately diagnose your condition and provide you with the best treatment plan to minimize your pain and restore your shoulder mobility. Call our clinic in Los Angeles, CA to schedule your shoulder exam.