How Do I Know if I Have a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Top 4 Signs and Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

If you're experiencing a rotator cuff tear, you may encounter the following signs and symptoms. Keep in mind that even if you exhibit all the classic signs and symptoms of a tear, the underlying cause could still be something else. A physician experienced in shoulder injuries can provide an accurate diagnosis.

1. Shoulder Pain

A rotator cuff tear can lead to a dull, aching pain in your shoulder. Moving your arm up or down might trigger pain or intensify it. While less common, severe pain is possible, especially if the tear is extensive and resulted from a fall or other trauma.

2. Trouble Sleeping

The pain from a rotator cuff tear can make it difficult to find comfort in bed. In fact, many individuals with rotator cuff tears report trouble sleeping as the primary reason they sought medical attention. Losing sleep can be particularly problematic for those who prefer to sleep on the affected side, as putting pressure on the injured shoulder usually causes pain.

For instance, a recent study found that discomfort while lying down significantly impacted daily life for patients with shoulder pain, prompting them to seek medical advice. Sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing issues and hinder recovery.

3. Shoulder Weakness

Besides pain, a damaged rotator cuff may also cause weakness. Activities that involve lifting your arm, such as washing your hair, might feel challenging. Weakness can restrict your shoulder's active range of motion. For example, if you have a full-thickness tear—where a muscle or tendon is torn entirely through—you may not be able to lift the affected arm above chest height at all.

4. Shoulder Popping or Crackling

The muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff help stabilize the shoulder's ball-and-socket joint. An injury to the rotator cuff can alter how the ball and socket fit and move together, leading to a popping or crackling sensation known medically as crepitus.

Shoulder crepitus without other symptoms is generally not a cause for concern. However, if it's accompanied by pain or weakness, it may warrant further investigation.

Read more about Crepitus on Arthritis-health.com.

Other potential symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include shoulder stiffness, loss of passive range of motion, swelling, and tenderness.

Read more about Rotator Cuff Injuries: Symptoms

Rotator Cuff Tears Without Symptoms

Research indicates that more than half of people with rotator cuff tears don't experience any symptoms. However, symptoms may develop over time if the tear worsens.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect you have a rotator cuff tear, consider scheduling an appointment with a physician familiar with diagnosing and treating shoulder pain. They will be able to determine the underlying cause of your pain, whether it's a rotator cuff tear or another issue like a SLAP tear, tendonitis, arthritis, or bursitis.

See SLAP Tear Symptoms

When Urgent or Emergency Care May Be Needed

The need for medical care may be more urgent if your symptoms include numbness, weakness, tingling, or pins-and-needles in your shoulder, arm, or hand. Immediate medical attention is recommended if you're in severe pain, your symptoms affect both sides of your body, or you experience severe weakness, uninterrupted numbness, or difficulty controlling movement in your hand, arm, or shoulder.

Next Steps

If a licensed medical professional has diagnosed you with a rotator cuff tear, they will likely recommend one or more treatment options. Most people with rotator cuff tears receive nonsurgical treatment, such as rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. Surgery may be suggested if the tear is severe or if symptoms persist for several weeks or months.

See Rotator Cuff Tear Surgery

Feel free to ask your provider questions about the treatment plan. Let them know if you have concerns about being able to follow through with their recommendations.

Learn more:

Rotator Cuff Injuries: Treatment