Question 1

how can i tell if i have a sprained rotator cuff or a torn one?

Accepted Answer

MRI: A good orthopedist will exam you to determine if you've torn your rotator cuff. An MRI will provide definitive evidence.

Question 2

i have been diagnosed with a sprain of right rotator cuff capsule.i have not had an mri yet. something pops in then back out. what could that be ??

Accepted Answer

Likely torn rotator: It could be a torn portion of rotator cuff muscles/ligaments. It is possibly getting trapped in the joint space with movements and then getting released. 
MRIs are usually not needed for minor rotator cuff injuries. Physical therapy usually helps heal most of them. 
Also, sunshine around noon time for about 30 min/day or a good dose of vitamin D3 daily also helps to speed up the recovery

Question 3

what is the difference (symptoms wise) between a shoulder sprain and a rotator cuff tear?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: A shoulder sprain refers to a stretch or bruise to the ligaments that hold the shoulder together. A rotator cuff tear refers to a muscle that has been detached from its bony insertion.

Question 4

could rotator cuff sprain be permanent?

Accepted Answer

? Sprain: If you have injured your rotator cuff over time or w/ one episode of trauma you may have 'strained' or irritated the rot cuff.These generally will get better w/time. If, however, you tore or partially tore the rot. Cuff this may not improve completely and may require surgery. A good exam and quality MRI scan can differentiate between the two. See an ors w/ specialty training in shoulder surg. Gl!

Question 5

does a rotator cuff sprain cause pitching velocity to decrease?

Accepted Answer

Shoulder pain: A strain of the rotator cuff can definately effect pitching velocity.

Question 6

how long does it usually take for a shoulder rotator cuff sprain to recover?

Accepted Answer

It does not: A rotator cuff sprain is defined by a tear of the rotator cuff. Once a rotator cuff tears, the body is unable to heal the tear without a repair, in which to ends are brought back together. A rotator cuff strain is defined by an injury of the rotator cuff that may recover over 4-6 weeks once the initial injury calms down and muscle starts to function again.

Question 7

how can i help heal my rotator cuff sprain as soon as possible? it's been a month since i saw the doctor about it and it's not getting better.

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy: Rotator cuff injuries (as long as they are not complete tears) usually respond well to physical therapy.  If it is completely torn (full thickness) the ends will pull apart and arthroscopic surgery is usually required.  Don't hesitate to be seen.

Question 8

what symptoms would a torn rotator cuff vs sprain rc? and can rc injury heal without surgery? if so how long would a sprain rc take to heal?? thanks!!

Accepted Answer

Pain with Abduction: a full thickness rotator cuff tear can cause considerable weakness and pain especially with movement in the and of motion controlled most by the rotator cuff tendon that is injured. The top tendon. Supraspinatus, would cause symptoms when trying to lift arm from side of body. A mere sprain would be less painful with minimal weakness. A mild sprain could take upwards of 6 weeks to improve.

Question 9

sharps pain at the very top of my shoulder, right by the collar bone. did i sprain it or did i mess up my rotator cuff?

Accepted Answer

May be AC joint pain: The ac joint is where your clavicle meets your acromion (see diagram) and may become arthritic and cause a painful lump on the top of your shoulder. Doing a quick google search to see if this fits with what you are seeing and feeling is reasonable. If this does not fit or you think you need treatment then you should see someone for an evaluation in person.

Question 10

did reformer pilates.  day after throb deltoid pain lft arm, inch or so below shoulder. numbness in area?  could this be rotator cuff or just sprain?

Accepted Answer

Shoulder: Sounds like area of supraspinatus tendon. This is a rotator cuff muscle/ tendon. Numbness is not consistent. More concern for nerve origin.

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Doctor answers about:

Sprained rotator cuff

A member asked:

How can i tell if i have a sprained rotator cuff or a torn one?

A member asked:

I have been diagnosed with a sprain of right rotator cuff capsule.i have not had an mri yet. something pops in then back out. what could that be ??

A member asked:

What is the difference (symptoms wise) between a shoulder sprain and a rotator cuff tear?

A member asked:

Could rotator cuff sprain be permanent?

A member asked:

Does a rotator cuff sprain cause pitching velocity to decrease?

A member asked:

How long does it usually take for a shoulder rotator cuff sprain to recover?

A member asked:

How can i help heal my rotator cuff sprain as soon as possible? it's been a month since i saw the doctor about it and it's not getting better.

A member asked:

What symptoms would a torn rotator cuff vs sprain rc? and can rc injury heal without surgery? if so how long would a sprain rc take to heal?? thanks!!

A member asked:

Sharps pain at the very top of my shoulder, right by the collar bone. did i sprain it or did i mess up my rotator cuff?

A member asked:

Did reformer pilates. day after throb deltoid pain lft arm, inch or so below shoulder. numbness in area? could this be rotator cuff or just sprain?

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