A rotator cuff tear is a shoulder injury which can occur on the job, in athletics and sports, or due to a family history of similar issues. It’s a tear in the tissues which make up the rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and tendons which stabilize the shoulder joint and help you lift and rotate your arms. In order to get the proper medical attention, it’s important to understand common signs of a rotator cuff injury like the ones outlined in the following article.

What Are Some Indications of a Rotator Cuff Tear?

1. Pain and Stiffness

One of the most telling signs of this shoulder injury is a dull ache which can be felt deep inside the shoulder, as well as stiffness when trying to perform certain motions with the arm or shoulder. Most people notice this when trying to raise or lower the arm or lift objects. In some cases, pain in the rotator cuff can make it difficult to sleep, and you may also notice tenderness and swelling in the shoulder.

2. Limited Range of Motion

It’s usually difficult to move the arm and shoulder through their full normal range of motion if the rotator cuff is torn. For example, you might find it difficult to dress, wash yourself, or hold objects or use tools with such an injury, and it’s common to experience intense pain while attempting to use the arm. It can be particularly difficult to raise the arm overhead or behind the back with a torn rotator cuff.

3. Shoulder Weakness

Another sign of a torn rotator cuff, and shoulder injuries in general, occurs when you have difficulty lifting and holding even small, lightweight objects. This is because the muscles in the shoulder are disconnected and therefore unable to exert force through the arm; this can be extremely painful to hold or raise items.

If you're concerned that you might have a torn rotator cuff, get in touch with Associates in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Dalton, GA. The professionals at this clinic use the latest state-of-the-art technology and work with a network of over 125 trusted health care providers to offer a broad range of services and treatments for knee, spine, foot, and shoulder injuries. Call (706) 226-5533 to schedule a consultation today, and visit them online to learn more about their services.