Did I Tear My Rotator Cuff?
February 11, 2022 7:56 am
What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Being able to move your arms in all directions easily and without pain is something many people take for granted.
However, shoulder pain that reduces quality of life and impairs mobility affects between 18% and 26% of adults at any given time, according to a study published in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, Volume 29, Issue 3, June 2015, Pages 405-423.” A rotator cuff injury is one of the most common and painful injuries that can restrict movement.
Your rotator cuff is an area of muscles and tendons located in your shoulder that stabilizes it and helps it move within its socket. Common conditions that affect the rotator cuff include tendinitis, bursitis and tears.
What Does a Rotator Cuff Tear Feel Like?
When you tear your rotator cuff, you may not realize it immediately. But as time goes on, your symptoms will likely become more obvious. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, four common symptoms are associated with rotator cuff injuries:
- Pain when resting and at night, especially when putting pressure on the affected shoulder
- Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or performing specific movements that involve your shoulder
- Lack of strength when raising up or twisting your arm
- A “crackling” sensation when moving your arm and shoulder in certain directions or into certain positions
How to Diagnose a Rotator Cuff Tear
If you suspect you have a rotator cuff tear, a diagnosis allows you to begin a recovery and rehabilitation process to regain your strength and mobility.
To diagnose your rotator cuff injury, your healthcare provider will have you move your arms in different directions to evaluate your mobility and pain level. A rotator cuff injury will often cause pain when you raise or rotate your arm.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Rotator cuff injuries can occur in two different ways: acute tears and degenerative tears.
Acute tears happen instantly due to overexertion, awkward movements and falls.
Degenerative tears progress over a longer period and are the result of the muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff weakening until they tear.
Can a Rotator Cuff Tear Heal on Its Own?
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says that 80% of patients will be able to recover from rotator cuff tears with nonsurgical treatment options. They include rest, avoiding activities that can aggravate the injury, taking pain relievers, strengthening muscles and improving flexibility, and receiving steroid injections. If these treatments are not successful, your provider may recommend surgery.
Rotator cuff tears are painful and debilitating. They can dramatically reduce your quality of life and make it difficult to work and enjoy your hobbies.
At Magnolia Regional Health Center, we help patients recover from mild, moderate and severe rotator cuff injuries through a variety of nonsurgical and surgical options.
If you have joint pain—including shoulder pain—don’t wait any longer. Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic specialists today.
Tags: orthopaedics, overuse injury, rotator cuff, sports injury, sports medicine
NewsCategorized in: Orthopaedic
This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center
