What are the symptoms of a torn rotator cuff?

Weakness: Not all rotator cuff tears have the same symptoms. Some tears prevent the shoulder from being stable enough to raise the arm up, causing weakness. Other tears cause enough pain to prevent specific motions. Other rotator cuff tears have stabilized in a way that there are very few symptoms and the patient never even knows there is a tear. The diagnosis needs to be individualized with your surgeon.

Pain & weakness : Rotator cuff tears usually occur in patients over 60. On younger patients it's uncommon, but dislocating ones shoulder could cause a rotator cuff tear. Pain is present, and usually weakness in overhead elevation of the arm occurs. If it doesn't improve, see your sports medicine/shoulder specialist.

Shoulder pain: Primarily pain with activity of the shoulder. Reaching overhead and to the side with weakness and pain are the number one complaints. A small tear may only have intermittent pain that is not improving. If you have pain longer than 6 weeks you should see a doctor. http://www.reconortho.com/treatments/shoulder/rotator_cuff_surgery.

Pain: Pain in the area between the shoulder and elbow. Night pain. Pain lifting items in front of the body. Weakness with lifting. These are the most common symptoms.

+/- trauma,pain MRI+: In younger & older, a fall on the side is a common trauma, severe pain right away or the next day on awakening, pain on resisted external rotation or on resisted abduction of the arm, also MRI pos. Mr tells u how large, exam will tell u if torn.

Pain and weakness: A rotator cuff tear (rct) usually presents with pain and weakness although weakness may not be present with a small tear or with compensation from surrounding muscles. Also, weakness may be secondary to less than full effort during exam bc of the pain. Need to see an orthopedist to evaluate.

Rotator cuff tear: Shoulder / upper arm pain and difficulty with raising the arm overhead are the most common symptoms.

Many: People experience numbness over the shoulder region as well. It gets confused with neck pain many times which is why you need a good examination by an experienced physician.

Pain at night: Shoulder pain associated with limited range of motion or ability to lift arm above the head or away from the side are characteristic. Also, night pain that keeps you up. You may find yourself sleeping in the upright position to alleviate the discomfort.

+/- Hx trauma,pain,: A fall on the side, pain on resisted ext. Rotation & abduction mri+ tells u the size. Can't reach upper shelves, shift car into the gears u need 2 push arm forward, reverse is especially hard, & no improvement. Need 2 c a shoulder specialist sooner then later.