Best Way To Know If You Have a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Rotator cuff pathology is a common disorder that can be very debilitating. Our guest surgeon discusses the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practise medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

[smallfootprint]

Love that you say, "You are in charge of your own health." The trouble is that it's hard to have a conversation with a doc when he/she is only with you for a few minutes.

[tommykosmo]

I’ve been in the physical therapy field for 24 years and this video is the most thorough and pragmatic discussion on rotator cuff pathology. Nice job

[wliftinglady]

This was a great video. I love how at least 75 percent focused on non-surgical interventions. I also agree with approaching the pain within weeks verses months. Old powerlifter here who wishes I would have seen this before I "worked through the pain"

[sandracope]

Great video. i had a large subscapula tear and a torn bicep muscle from a fall. I ended up having surgery. Was in a sling for 8 long awful weeks, I was suppose to wear it 10 weeks but I was doing well. My surgeon warned me that the surgery would be more painful than the pain I was currently having. He was right and I appreciate his honesty about that. I truly do not wish this injury on anyone.

[denisebenedict]

I just had a knee replacement, and let me just say it was a breeze compared to my rotator cuff surgery several years ago. The maddening thing? I was sent to P.T for my shoulder, hoping to avoid surgery…instead I ended up with 2 additional torn muscles because the therapist didn’t take me seriously when I told her she was working me too hard. After my surgery, the surgeon called the Therapist and reamed her out. It took almost 6 months of O.T to get me where I could use my arm again. Trust what your body is telling you, and be a strong advocate for your health needs.

[bellabb]

Listening to these doctors, I think I had tear on my rotator cuff of my left shoulder. I had all the symptoms these doctors talk about. I was sleeping on my left side all the time so I laid a pillow on each side to avoid sleeping on my side. I tried not to “baby” my left arm, I would use that arm without hurting it. Lo & behold, after some weeks, my left arm feels a lot better & I am able to fold my bedsheets & stretch that left arm. I am 70 years old & I am now more careful in activities of daily living & I try to strengthen & tone my extremities & the rest of my body! I try not to run to the Dr right away & give my body a chance to heal naturally, which it does!

[gocardinals]

Had arthroscopic surgery done almost 2 decades ago. Where it was torn was from 10 o'clock to 4 o'clock. The recovery times listed were accurate for me. My advice before your surgery to help you prepare is start using your other arm for everyday activities like eating, brushing your teeth etc... that way when you are in intense post surgical pain for that first week your other arm is already somewhat trained it will make things a lot easier and quicker and less messy.

[chadbreedlove]

This brings back memories. I am a bodybuilder and I had a rotator cuff in both shoulders. I had my left one done and then my right one done about 2-3 years later. The right shoulder didnt hurt until about 2 years later so I knew it was my rotator cuff. I had a great ortho surgeon at Fort Wayne Ortho. He explained everything to me. X-rays, and then MRI to confirm the diagnosis. He knew since I weight trained, the only way to get back to normal was surgery. The recovery was long but worth it. I had 12 weeks of physical therapy with each shoulder. Today, I have no issues with my shoulders. So glad I had it done. I am now 52 and I don't train near as heavy as I used to but I still like to push some heavy iron when I feel up to it. :)

[holdfast]

I'm a soldier and got a tear when patrolling. We'd rested up and set of in the dark. I lifted my backpack (40kilos) over my head, but snagged it on my body armour. Then I threw the pack forwards, but instead of letting it go to the ground I stopped it part way. Couldn't sleep for two nights and after being x-rayed was told I'd need surgery. A few guys I talked to said surgery was the worst decision they made. All of them needed surgery for a second time. I decided to use physio to built up the muscles. Now I'm good.

[fatmanasser]

My mom has a right rotator cuff tear. I wasn’t able to go to the doctors with her. Your video was amazing in helping me understand what rotator cuff injury is. I forwarded your video to her and my siblings. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy professional lives to do these videos. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to new content and learning .

[tomwilkas]

Thank you gentleman. It's best for a patient to have an understanding of the basics before they see their docs, super helpful, and admire your commitment to keeping us informed. Best wishes for 2024.

[infjt]

This was such a great video. Three very intelligent professionals, raising and answering questions surrounding the shoulder for those who need to hear it. Thank you.

[rosemarydolliver]

I’m 70 and have now had 4 rotator repairs and 2 biceps over the past 14 years, 2 on both shoulders. Currently in Physical Therapy recovering from a reverse shoulder replacement. I believe I’m on my last resort. I feel like a pro now. I enjoyed your explanations on this subject. Lyme Disease caused bone Spurs that tore my rotators until there was nothing left to repair and osteoarthritis has destroyed my joints.

[JamesSims]

I am up for arthroscopic surgery in 5 days. Gentlemen, I deeply appreciate your relaxed, friendly, and appropriately detailed description. Accurate information pleasantly delivered. Thank y’all.

[dawnmatusz]

This is so helpful! My pain came out of nowhere, but I still have significant range of motion. Glad to know a bit more about what’s going on in there and what can be done about it. Thank you!!

[markevans]

Currently dealing with a rotator cuff injury right now. The urgent care doc said a tear and a pinched nerve. Don't know anything else than that. Got an appointment set up for the 14th with my local ortho. Nervous, but ready to get this ball rolling towards recovery. Watching this let me know what I should be expecting after said appointment. Thanks for all you do for everyone.

[danmurphy]

For starters, great video! I found it to be very informative. I learned far more from watching this video than from the visit I had with my local shoulder specialist. Since everyone else is including their specific problem, here's mine. My left shoulder has been sore for a month or two. Nothing terrible, just a moderate ache. Then on the 4th of July, our family wanted to have a campfire. I needed to chop a little wood beforehand. On the first swing of the ax, I felt a terrible pain and instant regret. Now I would describe the pain as a burning or stinging pain. It's now July 30th and the pain has not really subsided at all. I've had several visits to PT so far with no real improvements. An MRI is pending the recommendation from PT.
Once again, great video, and thank you for the quality information.

[kated]

Thanks, that was very informative. I just had an MRI on my shoulder for suspected rotator cuff tear and see my surgeon next month. Now I have a better understanding of the pathophysiology, it will be easier to understand what he is saying.

[josephlauricellayoga]

Great video! Super helpful. I’m a bodyworker who specializes in scapular mobility. Over 25 years and thousands of bodies, I can tell you that the majority of the general public has no where near full ROM. When you have chronic tight muscles and adhesion, a dog jerking your arm on a leash can create a tear. Or a simple fall or sudden movement like swinging a tennis racket

[terrythornock]

Wonderful video!!!! I’m a 62 year old 100% Disabled Veteran and an Above Knee Amputee of the left leg due to trauma. I had a Spinal Cord Stimulator installed on my spine to help with neuropathy and nerve pain.

I had some Rotator Cuff tears on my right shoulder surgically repaired in 2019. The surgery and heal time is brutal!!!! My surgeon said “There’s nothing worse for the shoulders than crutches”!

Crutches are a necessary evil for me. In Feb. 2021, I came into the house from taking the dog out. My left crutch was wet from the snow and it slipped on the kitchen floor and down I went. I landed on my elbow, which jacked all my weight onto my left shoulder, causing it to hyperextend and I’m convinced I tore the upper Rotator Cuff Tendon and possibly more.

I went to physical therapy for six weeks before giving up, due to the pain just getting worse with exercises.

The VA has taken this long to authorize an MRI and since I’ve been favoring my left shoulder, now my right shoulder is also hurting, so they have authorized an MRI of both shoulders. I’m scheduled for MRI on Jan. 10, 2023, almost a year after the injury. I’ve had one injection in both shoulders. It helped my right shoulder, but not my left.

I have a Gastric Bypass surgery scheduled on March 6th to repair my third Hiatal Hernia. I’m 5’ 11” and weigh 230 lbs.

I also need foot surgery because my fourth metatarsal keeps trying to come out the ball of my foot, causing a pressure sore and blister to open up!

If I were a horse, they’d just take me out to the end of the pasture and put a bullet in my head.

Out of the three surgeries, I know the shoulder surgery will be the most painful. I guess I will end up having ropes inside both my shoulders, a chicken egg sized stomach and my only foot, which was reconstructed when I was 21, will now have a plate installed. I’ve had my right knee ACL reconstructed back in 1998, and I’m bone on bone there. So next will be a knee replacement. I guess someone has to help the doctors pay for their cabins and boats!!!😂

Happy New Year everyone!!! I wish everyone the very best as we struggle through these extremely difficult times!!!!