Rotator Cuff Tear

All patients with shoulder pain are advised to rule out a rotator cuff disease. A patient must ask the physician to rule out a rotator cuff disease, as it is the most common and treatable cause of shoulder pain and impairment. Rotator cuff as seen from the glenohumeral portal

Occurs more often in a person's dominant arm

More commonly found among people older than 40 years

Pain usually worse at night and interferes with sleep

Worsening pain followed by gradual weakness

Decrease in ability to move the arm, especially out to the side

Deep ache in the shoulder also felt on the outside upper arm

Sudden tearing sensation followed by severe pain shooting through the arm

• • • Motion limited by pain and muscle spasm acute pain from bleeding and muscle spasm (often goes away in a few days)

In some cases, shoulder can be a symptom of other illnesses such as a heart condition. Pain from a rotator cuff problem is worsened with movement. If you have unexplained shoulder pain that is not affected by movement, you should call the doctor.

If shoulder pain lasts more than two days

If shoulder problems (pain) do not allow you to work

If you are unable to reach overhead to get an item in a cabinet above shoulder level, for example

If you are unable to play a certain sport such as baseball or engage in an activity such as swimming