The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons surrounding your shoulder joint, holding it in place and allowing you to move your arm in any direction. It is essential for nearly every upper body movement, from lifting grocery bags to throwing a ball.
Rotator cuff injuries are common in sports like baseball, tennis, or swimming, but they aren’t limited to athletes. Everyday activities that require you to make repetitive overhead movements, heavy lifting at the gym, or even a sudden awkward reach can strain or tear your rotator cuff.
These injuries can vary from mild inflammation to complete tears, and their symptoms—like shoulder pain, weakness, or limited movement—don’t always reveal how severe the damage is. If left untreated, rotator cuff injuries can worsen to a point that using the affected arm feels impossible.
That is why recognizing when you need professional help is so critical. At OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare in San Diego, Temecula, and Encinitas, California, David Chao, MD, and our team can spot a rotator cuff injury from a mile away and have dedicated their careers to helping patients heal properly.
Here are four signs it’s time to have your rotator cuff evaluated by one of our experts.
Rotator cuff injuries often cause a dull ache deep in the shoulder, but this can vary. For some, the pain might radiate down the arm or worsen at night, especially when lying on the injured side. If over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, or rest haven’t made a difference after a few days or weeks, it’s time to consult a specialist.
Rotator cuff injuries, especially large tears, can weaken your shoulder and arm. You may have difficulty lifting objects, reaching overhead, or raising your arm past your shoulder. Specific activities, like brushing your hair or reaching behind your back, may be painful or impossible.
The rotator cuff stabilizes your shoulder joint, so your entire arm is affected when it’s injured. Though some rest can help with minor injuries, ignoring these symptoms can lead to conditions like a frozen shoulder, in which your shoulder can become painful and stiff for months.
Hearing or feeling unusual sensations like clicking, popping, or grinding in your shoulder point to structural issues with the joint, such as a rotator injury. In some cases, these sounds result from a tendon rubbing against a bone spur or shifting over a partial tear as you move your arm.
Over time, this can lead to irritation, swelling, or even damage to other parts of the shoulder joint, like the cartilage. Although you shouldn’t worry about occasional clicks or pops, repeated or painful sensations require a professional evaluation.
Swelling, redness, or tenderness around your shoulder could result from a rotator cuff tear. If you notice these signs alongside pain and limited movement, it strongly indicates that your shoulder needs to be looked at by a professional.
It’s almost impossible not to engage your rotator cuff every day, but its location and structure make it prone to injuries that worsen over time without proper care. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications like arthritis, chronic pain, or permanent loss of motion. It also reduces the risk of needing invasive procedures down the line.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain in your shoulder, weakness, unusual sensations, and no improvement with home remedies, schedule a consultation today with us at OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare.
