Signs and Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common shoulder problems, affecting athletes, aging adults and people whose jobs or hobbies require repetitive arm movements. These injuries range from mild inflammation to partial or complete tears, often leading to pain and limited mobility.
Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff injury is important for protecting your long-term shoulder health.
What Is a Rotator Cuff?
Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons, including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis, that surround your shoulder joint. Together, they allow you to lift your arm, rotate your shoulder and stabilize the joint during everyday movements. When one of the tendons becomes irritated or torn, it can impact your ability to reach, lift and perform simple tasks comfortably.
Rotator cuff tears can be partial, where the tendon is damaged but not completely severed. A full-thickness tear occurs when the tendon is torn all the way through. These injuries may occur suddenly, but often develop gradually over time, particularly in your dominant arm.
Common causes of a rotator cuff injury include:
- Overuse or repetitive overhead motion
- Traumatic injury such as a fall
- Repetitive lifting or heavy workloads
- Natural aging and tendon degeneration
Common Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff
- Shoulder pain: Often described as a dull ache deep in the shoulder, pain may worsen when lifting or lowering your arm.
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty raising your arm or reaching behind your back is a common sign of injury.
- Clicking or popping sensation: You may notice a grinding, clicking or popping sound when moving your shoulder, especially with overhead activities.
- Weakness when lifting: A torn rotator cuff often makes it harder to lift objects up and away from your body, particularly if they’re heavy.
- Similar symptoms to other conditions: Rotator cuff injuries can mimic arthritis and bursitis symptoms, so it’s important to seek a professional diagnosis.
Less Common Symptoms
- Disrupted sleep: Pain can make it difficult to lie on your injured shoulder or rest comfortably.
- Night pain: Symptoms often intensify at night, especially when you’re lying on the affected side.
- Radiating sense of pain: Discomfort may extend down your arm, sometimes resembling nerve pain.
- Gradual loss of strength: Over time your shoulder may feel weaker, making lifting objects or performing routine tasks more difficult.
Comprehensive Surgical Services at Wood County Hospital
At Wood County Hospital our orthopedic specialists provide expert evaluation, treatment and surgical care for shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears. With access to advanced imaging and diagnostic services, we can accurately determine the extent of your injury and recommend the most effective treatment.
Our rehabilitation team also works closely with our surgeons to create personalized therapy programs that support healing and help you return to daily activities with confidence. Contact Wood County Hospital today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.