How to tell if i have a rotator cuff injury?

Let me explain: Pain in the shoulder and the upper arm, limitation of the range of motion of the shoulder in certain directions and sometime weakness of the arm.

Rotator cuff injury: Rotator cuff disease includes a full spectrum of conditions ranging from tendinitis/bursitis to a partial tear to a full thickness tear. Rotator cuff pain typically radiates to the lateral (outside) part of the upper arm, is mostly aggravated by use of the shoulder, but can also occur at rest (night pain) in some circumstances. Depending on the degree of injury the shoulder may also feel weak.

Clinical exam.: A clinical exam by a trained orthopedist, should give you a pretty good idea if your rotator cuff is injured. Xrays and an MRI may be necessary to determine the extent of injury.

Depends on symptoms: Without an injury rotator cuff tears are not common in people under 40 but if you are having pain at night that is bad enough to keep you awake or wake you up, then maybe yes. If you are unable to raise your arm straight over your head (same as other side) then maybe yes. Hard to make any sweeping blanket statements, but hope this helps.

Maybe: Share some of your symptoms and we can try to help. Thank you.