Question 1

what happens when you tear your rotator cuff?

Accepted Answer

Functional loss: The rotator cuff typically tears at the insertion where it attaches to the humerus bone (ball part of the ball and socket). Since it stabilizes the shoulder, a tear doesn't allow the large muscles of the shoulder (deltoids) to function correctly and indirectly causes weakness and pain. A rotator cuff tear does not heal itself and usually requires surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone.

Question 2

i wanted to know when you tear your rotator cuff what happens?

Accepted Answer

You lose the ability: To lift the arm away from the body to the side, ie, abduct the arm. Its painful.

Question 3

can you tear your rotator cuff from slamming your shoulder into the wall? i did now i can't lift my arm up without pain

Accepted Answer

Perhaps: You may have bruised shoulder and pain prevents full motion. Rotator cuff injury should be suspected if pain or limited motion persists after bruise heals (2 weeks or so.) See your primary care for evaluation and referral if necessary. Thanks for trusting HealthTap!

Question 4

can a tear heal on its own in a rotator cuff?

Accepted Answer

Rotator Cuff: Depends on the size and thickness.  Partial thickness tears can heal if they are less than 50% of the thickness of the tendon. Full thickness (complete) tears generally will not heal on their own and will often enlarge with time.

Question 5

how common are rotator cuff tears in nonathletes?

Accepted Answer

Common: Rotator cuff tears are common in all walks of life. Impingement on the acromion probably contributes to some tears. The most important factor, however, is probably the normal aging/ tendon degeneration process. In fact, as many as 85% of all patients with a known tear have no recollection of an injury that led to the tear.

Question 6

what are the signs of a rotator cuff tear?

Accepted Answer

Pain: Typical signs of a rotator cuff tear depends on the muscle involved.  There are 4 that make up the rotator cuff.  Most commonly, people complain of pain with reaching or overhead motion, pain radiating down the arm, pain that wakes them up at night, sometimes numbness and tingling in the arm and hand/fingers, a feeling of heaviness to the arm.  Recommend you see a sports medicine MD/orthopedist.

Question 7

how to know if i have a rotator cuff injury/tear?

Accepted Answer

Rotator cuff tears: are common in people older than 50 -60.  If you have a history of trauma, Weakness in your shoulder and pain, especially night pain then odds are you have a rotator cuff tear.  Evaluation by an orthopedist or sports medicine doc will confirm the diagnosis typically by exam and MRI. Surgery is the primary treatment of Rotator Cuff tears .

Question 8

what should i do for pain from rotator cuff inflammation and/or tear?

Accepted Answer

Expected outcomes...: If symptoms persist w/ &gt;6 wks of diligent rehab & compliance w/ conservative treatment, a more aggressive treatment, such as surgery, may be required..

This arthroscopic outpatient procedure usually allows for a return to daily living activities within 2-6 wks. A full recovery can be long & arduous, but excellent results are achieved &gt;80%... 

For more info: www.Drmarkgalland.Com (1/22/13).

Question 9

what is the difference between an impingement and tear of a rotator cuff?

Accepted Answer

Severity of condtion: With impingment, the rotator cuff is being pinched, without necessarily being torn, between the acromion of the shoulder blade and the top of the humerus.   Raising your arm pinches the rotator cuff just like closing a door pinches your fingers if they are stuck between the door and door jam.  A rotator cuff tear implies that the tendon is not simply inflamed but is partially or totally disrupted.

Question 10

i have a slight tear in my rotator cuff & have been treating with physio for the last few weeks, seems to get better, then i have a bad day?

Accepted Answer

Rotator cuff: Glad the physio seems to be working.  Please give your PT feedback so he/she can adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How to tear your rotator cuff on purpose

A member asked:

What happens when you tear your rotator cuff?

A member asked:

I wanted to know when you tear your rotator cuff what happens?

A member asked:

Can you tear your rotator cuff from slamming your shoulder into the wall? i did now i can't lift my arm up without pain

A member asked:

Can a tear heal on its own in a rotator cuff?

A member asked:

How common are rotator cuff tears in nonathletes?

A member asked:

What are the signs of a rotator cuff tear?

A member asked:

How to know if i have a rotator cuff injury/tear?

A member asked:

What should i do for pain from rotator cuff inflammation and/or tear?

A member asked:

What is the difference between an impingement and tear of a rotator cuff?

A member asked:

I have a slight tear in my rotator cuff & have been treating with physio for the last few weeks, seems to get better, then i have a bad day?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?