Rotator Cuff Injuries: How To Tell If You've Torn Your Rotator Cuff

Rotator Cuff Injuries: How To Tell If You've Torn Your Rotator Cuff

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s important to know the difference between a rotator cuff injury and rotator cuff tear symptoms. Many people self-diagnose a rotator cuff tear when they’re actually experiencing something else. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs of a rotator cuff injury as well as how to tell if you’ve actually torn your rotator cuff.

What causes a rotator cuff injury?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm. These muscles and tendons help stabilize the shoulder when you complete movements like lifting the arm. A rotator cuff injury can occur due to overuse, degeneration, or sudden trauma.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include:

– Pain when lifting the arm

– Pain when reaching overhead

– Pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder

– Weakness in the arm

– A popping or clicking sound when moving the arm

Causes of shoulder pain courtesy of BeActive Physiotherapy and Wellness. (Read the caption)

How do I know if I tore my rotator cuff?

If you’ve experienced a rotator cuff tear, you’ll likely feel a sharp pain in the shoulder. This pain may be accompanied by weakness and difficulty moving the arm.

Because the rotator cuff is located deep within the shoulder, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you have torn it. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that may indicate a tear. First, if you experience sudden onset of shoulder pain, especially after falling or lifting something heavy, it’s possible that you’ve torn your rotator cuff. Additionally, if you have a gradual increase in difficulty moving your arm or experience weakness in the affected arm, these may also be signs of a rotator cuff tear. If you suspect that you’ve torn your rotator cuff, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis. Left untreated, a rotator cuff tear can lead to further damage and even chronic pain.

How is a rotator cuff injury diagnosed?

If you visit your doctor for shoulder pain, they will likely ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination of the shoulder. During the examination, they will check for signs of tenderness, weakness, and range of motion. Based on your presentation they will diagnose you with a rotator cuff injury or a different condition. In some cases, your doctor may order imaging tests such as an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

What is rotator cuff courtesy of Market Mall Physiotherapy. (Read the caption)

Once a rotator cuff injury is diagnosed, how is it treated?

The treatment for a rotator cuff injury depends on the severity of the injury. For minor injuries, your doctor may recommend rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication in the early stages of recovery. For more long-standing injuries, they may also recommend you complete physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for a rotator cuff injury. The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, and to improve range of motion, strength and function. Physiotherapy treatments for a rotator cuff injury may include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, acupuncture and ultrasound. These treatments can help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the rotator cuff. However, physiotherapy can often help to improve symptoms and allow patients to avoid surgery.

How long does it take to heal a rotator cuff injury?

The time it takes to heal a rotator cuff injury depends on the severity of the injury. For minor injuries, rest and physiotherapy may be enough to allow the rotator cuff to heal. Generally, completing a physiotherapy program for 6-12 weeks is enough time to determine if it will be an effective intervention. If physiotherapy does not work, surgery may be necessary. Recovery from surgery can take several months. After surgery, you will likely need to participate in physiotherapy to help improve range of motion and strength.

What are the long term effects of a rotator cuff injury?

If a rotator cuff injury is not treated properly, it can lead to further damage and even chronic pain. Additionally, rotator cuff injuries can make it difficult to perform everyday activities such as reaching overhead or combing your hair. If you think you may have a rotator cuff injury, it’s important to see a doctor or physiotherapist as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Rotator cuff injuries can be painful and debilitating, but with proper treatment, most people can recover fully.

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This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your rotator cuff is hurting, you may want to try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your arm. This can help to take pressure off of the rotator cuff and allow it to heal. You may also want to avoid sleeping directly on your shoulder if it is injured.

It is possible to raise your arm if your rotator cuff is torn, but it may be painful. If you have a rotator cuff injury, it’s important to see a doctor so they can determine the severity of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment.

The pain from a rotator cuff injury is often felt on the outside of the shoulder. The pain may also radiate down the side of the arm. If you have a rotator cuff injury, it’s important to see a doctor so they can determine the severity of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment.

About Taylor Sipos

Taylor is a physiotherapist at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic located in Toronto, Ontario. He treats patients with various musculoskeletal conditions using patient education, exercise therapy, manual therapy and acupuncture. His treatment philosophy involves giving his patient’s the means to self-manage their injuries. He does this through reassurance, education and health promotion. Taylor uses the same principles as a patient educator at Pain Hero. He aims to provide you with high-quality, easy to understand information to teach you about your condition and how to improve it.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

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