What Rotator Cuff Pain Really Feels Like: The Warning Signs That You May Have a Tear

Saddled with shoulder discomfort or struggling to lift your arm? A rotator cuff tear could be causing your pain. “The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that help your shoulder and arm rotate,” says Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, a physical therapist in New York City and spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association.

These muscles and tendons help to hold the upper arm bone securely in its socket in the shoulder blade, Marko says, and they’re essential for shoulder stability and movement. So when you have torn rotator cuff muscles, even simple tasks like washing your hair or putting the dishes away can be painful or limited by your range of motion. A torn rotator cuff can be caused by a fall or a sudden strain, or it can develop over time from repetitive stress (a.k.a wear and tear).

What does rotator cuff pain feel like?

Rotator cuff pain can vary from person to person. It’s often described as a dull, aching pain, but you may feel a sharp or stabbing pain if a certain movement aggravates the injury. The pain is usually felt on the front or outside of the shoulder joint, although it may radiate down the arm. Many people also notice weakness in the affected arm.

If your shoulder is aching after a strenuous day or a tough workout, you may wonder if you’re injured or just sore. The key is to take note of where you feel pain and how long it lasts. “Normal muscle soreness tends to improve within 24 to 72 hours and feels more like a dull, widespread ache,” says Michael A. Stone, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and shoulder specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles. Rotator cuff pain is usually more localized and persistent.

"If your pain limits raising your arm, causes weakness or disturbs sleep, it’s less likely [to be] simple soreness and more likely something significant," Dr. Stone adds.

These injuries are more common with age

Rotator cuff injuries are the most common tendon injury in adults, and age is a major risk factor. According to research published in StatPearls, rotator cuff injuries affect around 30 percent of adults over 60 and more than 60 percent of people over 80 years old.

"Rotator cuff injuries become more common with age because the tendons naturally undergo degenerative changes,” Marko explains. “Over time, blood flow to the tendons decreases and the tissues lose elasticity and strength. These age-related changes make the rotator cuff tendons more fragile and more susceptible to tears. With age, these tears can even occur during routine daily activities such as household chores or ordinary movements."

Other risk factors for rotator cuff injuries include:

• Smoking (Discover our best quit-smoking tips)
• Poor posture
• Family history
• Occupations or hobbies that involve repetitive overhead actions

When to see a doctor about rotator cuff pain

"If you suspect a rotator cuff tear, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the best course of action for regaining shoulder strength and function," says Brian Lee, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and shoulder specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles.

Rotator cuff tears don’t heal naturally on their own, Dr. Lee explains. Left untreated, a tear can worsen and become harder to heal due to scarring and muscle atrophy. That’s why early diagnosis is important.

Your doctor will likely perform an MRI or ultrasound to get a detailed look at the tendons and muscles in your shoulder. You may also get an X-ray to rule out other possible causes for shoulder pain, such as bone spurs or arthritis. These imaging tests can help guide your treatment plan. "Knowledge is power, and with the correct information and approach, you can conquer shoulder pain and get back to enjoying the activities you love," Dr. Lee adds.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the tear, from a partial tear to a full tear. "Physical therapy can aid patients in regaining motion and strength," Dr. Lee says. But if the tendon is fully torn, surgery may be needed. And if you have sudden or severe shoulder pain, swelling, any signs of infection or you can’t move your arm, head to the ER.

Source: Woman's World