How to Tell If You Have a Torn Rotator Cuff

A rotator cuff is an important part of the mechanics of the human body. When a person raises up their arm straight out, up, or in, along with flexing the elbow, it is shoulder related. This is because there are a group of tendons and muscles that make this happen. When this area is torn or damaged, it will no longer work properly, or at least it won't work without pain.

Shoulder injuries can be somewhat bothersome or can be extremely painful. The reason is because of a bone spur. When the tendon rubs it for a while, it will tear. A person may only be bothered when trying to sleep at night and it feels like something is stuck or is painful lying on it although I have found that the pain with pressure comes after it gets worse, not in the beginning.

Depending on the size of the tear of the rotator cuff, exercise and therapy is almost always required for recovery. Rest, Ice, Cortisone Injections and massage might also be used. If the tear is large, surgery will be needed along with physical therapy. It takes a really long time to heal from shoulder surgery so you'll want to avoid it if it's at all possible.

If a person has a torn rotator cuff and does not do anything at all to treat the problem, then eventually with time the shoulder will deteriorate. There will be weakness in the arm. Eventually you will see a loss of muscle in the shoulder and will have the inability to do many basic things, some as simple as combing your hair.

The causes of a torn rotator cuff besides bone spurs can be an accident, a person becoming older, and a bone disease-because of tiny bone fractures, diseases, and other causes. The real truth is that in any given time and place, almost anything can cause a rotator cuff tear.

If anything just does not feel normal in the upper arm area or shoulder, or even both when you need to reach high for something or lift something, it's advisable to get it checked by a doctor. Some people will hear a popping sound in their shoulder, feel pain, or loose strength. All of these are signs that something is wrong.

The good news is that most torn rotator cuffs can be repaired with exercise and therapy as long as you start treatment early. Letting it go, will only make things more difficult.