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Contents
  • Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears
  • Symptoms to Watch For
  • Tests and Diagnosis

Is Your Shoulder Pain Really a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Is Your Shoulder Pain Really a Rotator Cuff Tear?

What's This About?

Shoulder pain is a common issue, and rotator cuff tears are often the culprit. But how do we know for sure what's causing the pain?
Contents
  • Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears
  • Symptoms to Watch For
  • Tests and Diagnosis

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.
A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury often causing pain and weakness. It can result from degeneration, impingement, or overload, particularly in middle-aged and older individuals.

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.

FAQs

What causes rotator cuff tears?

They result from degeneration, impingement, and overload.

Are all tears painful?

No, many rotator cuff tears are asymptomatic.

What tests are used to diagnose tears?

Tests like the painful arc, drop arm, and external rotation weakness are used.

Can younger individuals get these tears?

Yes, especially those in sports or with repetitive overhead motions.

The Bottom Line

Understanding and diagnosing rotator cuff tears is critical to managing shoulder pain effectively.
Get started on discussing your shoulder concerns with Doctronic for a clearer diagnosis.
Additional References
  1. Urwin M, Symmons D, Allison T, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 1998; 57:649.
  2. Silverstein BA, Viikari-Juntura E, Fan ZJ, et al. Scand J Work Environ Health 2006; 32:99.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.