Shoulder Pain: How To Know If You Have A Rotator Cuff Tear

Is That Shoulder Pain Minor Or A Rotator Cuff Tear?

Shoulder pain can happen for a variety of reasons. Everything from vigorous activity, overuse, or even sleeping in a weird position can all lead to soreness in the area. However, not all pain is equal and discomfort is sometimes a sign that a major injury has occurred. For example, rotator cuff tears are one of the most well known severe shoulder injuries. While usually associated with highly active individuals, the problem can occur in any demographic. Still, if a person doesn’t know the telltale signs of a rotator cuff tear, seeking early care may not happen. Here are the key symptoms people need to know.

Are the symptoms obvious?

Not all shoulder pain qualifies as a symptom of a rotator cuff tear. Individuals experiencing this type of injury will have specific discomfort. A common sign is pain or weakness, as well as struggling to raise, lower, or rotate the impacted arm. Likewise, people that hear audible popping, clicking or cracking noises when the joint is moved in certain positions. Some individuals may experience pain that worsens in the evening or at rest. Additionally, weakness is a common indicator, with an inability to lift items being the main issue.

Causes of rotator cuff injuries

Rotator cuff injuries can lead to shoulder instability. Left untreated, what started as a minor injury can progress into a disability that greatly impacts mobility and quality of life. According to research, roughly 2 million American adults struggle with rotator cuff injuries every year. The most common causes are overuse or degeneration, which may be due to reduced blood flow or the development of bone spurs. Other causes can include fraying of the tendons that hold the shoulder in place. Tendon damage can range from a partial to a full-thickness tear. Most injuries can be treated using nonsurgical methods. Unfortunately, roughly 15-20% of cases will require surgery to achieve a full recovery.

Avoiding rotator cuff damage

For most people, rotator cuff injuries are frustrating but temporary events. Even though most people won’t require surgery, the recovery period can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage. As a result, experts recommend that preventative measures are the most important tool individuals can employ to avoid getting hurt. For example, any person living an active lifestyle should always do warm-up activities like stretching to maximize flexibility in the shoulder.

Posture matters

Surprisingly, poor posture can encourage shoulder damage along with engaging in repetitive motions. The above actions can lead to misalignment. If a rotator cuff injury does occur, an orthopedist may recommend physical therapy to help patients learn about proper form and perform exercises that safely strengthen the area. Strength training also aids in boosting range of motion (ROM) and helps people regain mobility.

Noninvasive treatments

One of the most common treatments for a rotator cuff tear is a method that involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), which serves as an at-home solution to support healing.. However, other people with more serious injuries might need in-office medical interventions. A popular option is platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP). The method relies on using a patient’s own blood and separating the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells. The PRP leverages the body’s natural regenerative powers by injecting the separated mixture directly into the injury site to speed wound healing. PRP is effective but will still usually require physical therapy afterward.

Getting control of shoulder injuries

Even though most people recover from a rotator cuff injury without requiring surgery, the event is still serious. In most cases, prevention is the best cure and includes avoiding overuse, poor posture, or quick movements that might cause tendon tears. More serious cases may respond better to PRP therapy, while severe situations call for minimally invasive rotator cuff repair surgery. If shoulder pain is causing limited ROM and not improving independently, consider speaking with an orthopedist.