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Is My Rotator Cuff Torn—and How Can I Tell?

By June 23, 2025Blog
Man with rotator cuff injury

Treating a Torn Rotator Cuff

Shoulder pain is a common complaint among adults, especially those who perform repetitive arm movements, participate in sports, or engage in overhead work. One of the most frequent culprits is a rotator cuff tear—an injury that can seriously limit mobility and quality of life. But how can you tell if your rotator cuff is actually torn? Understanding the signs, symptoms, and proper diagnostic steps is key to getting the right care and starting the path to recovery.

What is the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, stabilizing it and allowing you to lift and rotate your arm. Damage to these tendons—either through injury or degeneration—can lead to a tear.

Rotator cuff tears can be:

  • Partial: When one of the muscles or tendons is frayed or damaged.

  • Complete: When the tendon is completely torn or pulled away from the bone.

Both types can cause significant discomfort and impair daily activities, but the severity of symptoms varies from person to person.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff

If you’re wondering, “Is my rotator cuff torn?” watch for these common indicators:

1. Persistent Shoulder Pain

Pain is often felt deep in the shoulder and can radiate down the arm. It may worsen at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.

2. Limited Range of Motion

A torn rotator cuff may prevent you from lifting your arm above your head or reaching behind your back.

3. Shoulder Weakness

You may struggle to lift or carry items, and your shoulder might feel weak when performing everyday tasks.

4. Cracking or Popping Sounds

You might hear or feel a crackling or grinding sensation (crepitus) when moving your shoulder.

5. Difficulty Sleeping

Nighttime pain can become severe enough to disrupt sleep, especially when lying on the injured side.

Causes and Risk Factors

Rotator cuff tears can happen suddenly from trauma (like falling on an outstretched arm) or develop gradually over time due to wear and tear. Common risk factors include:

  • Age over 40

  • Repetitive overhead motions (painters, athletes, construction workers)

  • Poor posture

  • Heavy lifting

  • Previous shoulder injuries

How Can You Tell If It’s Torn?

The best way to confirm a rotator cuff tear is through clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging.

Physical Exam

A healthcare provider will assess your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and perform specific tests like:

  • Drop Arm Test: Checks your ability to slowly lower your arm from an elevated position.

  • Impingement Test: Evaluates for pain when moving your shoulder in specific ways.

Imaging

  • X-rays: Useful to rule out bone problems but don’t show soft tissue damage.

  • Ultrasound: Can visualize tendons in real-time.

  • MRI: Provides the most detailed view of soft tissues and can confirm the size and location of the tear.

Treatment Options

The treatment for a rotator cuff tear depends on the severity of the injury, your activity level, and overall health.

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid movements that aggravate the pain.

  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.

  • Chiropractic Care: Targeted adjustments can help relieve shoulder tension and improve joint function.

  • Red Light Therapy: Supports healing by reducing inflammation and stimulating tissue repair.

  • PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy): Helps accelerate recovery at the cellular level.

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Increases oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, promoting faster healing.

  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: To reduce pain and swelling.

  • Corticosteroid Injections: For severe inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

If non-surgical options fail or the tear is severe, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to repair the torn tendon.

When to Seek Help

If you experience persistent pain, noticeable weakness, or limited shoulder movement that doesn’t improve with rest, you should see a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and may prevent the need for surgery.

At Elevation Health Center in Meridian, ID, we offer comprehensive, non-invasive treatments for shoulder injuries, including:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments for shoulder alignment and pain relief

  • PEMF Therapy to stimulate deep tissue healing

  • Red Light Therapy to reduce inflammation

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for advanced tissue recovery

Our experienced team can help you determine whether your rotator cuff is torn and create a customized treatment plan to support your recovery—without jumping straight to surgery.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and assessment to get the answers and care you need.

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