Is Your Shoulder Pain Really a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears can occur due to various reasons, including degeneration, impingement, and overload. These tears are especially common in middle-aged and older individuals, but can also affect younger people involved in sports or activities requiring repetitive overhead motions. While some tears cause noticeable pain, a surprising number remain asymptomatic.

Symptoms to Watch For

Pain and weakness are the primary symptoms associated with rotator cuff tears. Typically, pain occurs over the lateral deltoid and worsens with activities such as reaching overhead or lying on the affected shoulder at night. However, it's important to note that not all tears cause pain, and some may simply lead to weakness without any discomfort.

Tests and Diagnosis

To diagnose rotator cuff tears, physicians often use a combination of physical tests. The active painful arc test, drop arm test, and external rotation weakness are key indicators. Despite these tests, a thorough examination and sometimes imaging like MRI or ultrasound are needed for accurate diagnosis, as many tests show varied results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Understanding and diagnosing rotator cuff tears is critical to managing shoulder pain effectively.

Related Articles

• Are You at Risk for Rotator Cuff Tears?
• How Do Doctors Diagnose Rotator Cuff Tears?
• What Happens During a Rotator Cuff Exam?
• Shoulder Pain: Is It a Rotator Cuff Tear?

References