Sorting out pain and weakness from a torn rotator cuff
A shoulder surgeon and a physical therapist explain rotator cuff tears
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that helps you lift and turn your arm. A crash can tear one of these tendons. It can also make an older tear suddenly hurt. [1, 2]
Pain by itself can’t tell you how big a tear is. If your arm is clearly weaker after the injury, make a point of telling your doctor. A shoulder specialist looks for a tear and any other damage. A physical therapist helps you get back useful movement within the treatment plan you choose. [1, 2]
Tell pain apart from true weakness
Tell your doctor what you could do before the crash and what you can’t do now. Can you lift your arm away from your body, reach a shelf or hold a cup steady? [1, 2]
Ask whether an X ray found a broken bone. Find out if an ultrasound or MRI would give a clearer picture of the tendon injury. Ask whether the tear looks new or long standing, and whether it’s partial or complete. [1, 2]
Weighing your treatment choices
Some tears get better with exercise, pain control and changes in activity. A new, complete tear with obvious weakness may lead to a talk about surgery to repair it. Ask what each option is likely to change for your work, sleep and ability to care for yourself. [1, 2]
If you choose surgery, ask how long you’ll be in a sling. Find out the stages of therapy and how long to avoid lifting. Don’t do strength exercises beyond what your team has told you. [1, 2]
Get checked if your arm gets worse
Get checked promptly if you suddenly can’t raise your arm or the weakness keeps getting worse. Do the same if pain and movement aren’t improving as expected. Get urgent care for a hand that turns cold or pale, major new numbness or a shoulder that looks dislocated. Shoulder pain after a crash can have more than one cause. [1]
Questions about your rotator cuff
- What’s causing my weakness, and do I need more imaging?
- What can therapy realistically bring back for this kind of tear?
- Would waiting change my treatment choices?
Pick the arm tasks you want back
Sources and further reading
- 1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons rotator cuff tears
- 2American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons rotator cuff questions
The information here is general and comes from shoulder surgery and physical therapy. Your treatment depends on the tear, how well your arm works, your age, your health and any other injuries. Any new loss of arm function needs a medical exam.
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