Your rotator cuff is composed of muscles and tendons that originate from your shoulder blade and attach to your upper arm bone to keep your shoulder in place. This combination results in the greatest range of motion of any joint in your body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your rotator cuff can be damaged from excessive repetition or injury, such as pitching a baseball or falling. Most rotator cuff injuries heal or go unnoticed, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Follow these general guidelines to determine whether you have a rotator cuff tear.
Physical Examination
Step 1
Look at your shoulder in a mirror and compare it with the other shoulder. Look for a thinning of the muscles or deformity of the shoulder.
Step 2
Determine if you feel pain in your shoulder while at rest. Use your opposite hand to press along the top of your shoulder blade, along your shoulder and the back of your shoulder blade if you can reach it.
Step 3
Lift your arm to the side and then above your head. Note if you feel pain, hear cracking or notice weakness in this movement.
Step 4
Lower your arm and note if you have pain, hear cracking or experience weakness.
Step 5
Place the palm of your hand of the injured shoulder across your chest. Remove your hand from your chest and rotate your shoulder. Note if you experience pain, hear a cracking or notice weakness.
Step 6
Place the palm of your hand of the injured shoulder across your chest. again. Push on your chest as hard as you can to rotate your shoulder inward. Note if you experience pain, hear a cracking sound or have difficulty performing this movement.
Step 7
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have shoulder pain, uneven shoulders or difficulty performing certain movements.
At the Physician's Office
Step 1
Ask your doctor if it is necessary to X-ray the injured shoulder. Discuss the results of the X-ray, if performed.
Step 2
Ask your doctor if an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is necessary. Ask your doctor to review the result of the MRI with you.
Step 3
Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan to ensure a full recovery if you have a rotator cuff tear.
Tips and Warnings
- Seek immediate medical attention if you have extreme shoulder pain.
- Do not continue performing movements that cause pain. Seek advice from your doctor before continuing painful tasks or exercise.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
