Top 5 Signs of a Rotator Cuff Tear

0:00 Intro
0:44 Empty Can Test
1:24 Drop Arm Test
1:55 Lag Sign
2:24 Infraspinatus Test
2:50 Lift Off Test

Empty Can Test
This test targets one of the rotator cuff muscles that most commonly tears at the tendon: the supraspinatus.

To perform the empty can test, fully extend your bad arm and raise it to shoulder height, slightly outward from your body.

Turn your hand downward, as if you are emptying a can or glass. Your palm should be open and your thumb pointing to the floor.

Next, using your other arm, press down on your raised arm at the elbow. Try to resist the motion. If someone is nearby, you could ask them to press down on your arm for you.

As you try to resist the pressure, pay attention to any pain or weakness you perceive in your arm, especially compared to your other arm. Pain or weakness may indicate a torn or compromised supraspinatus tendon.

Drop Arm Test
A rotator cuff tear will make it difficult for you to control your arm as it lowers, especially if any one of the 4 stabilizers of the rotator cuff are compromised.

To perform the drop arm test, simply raise your arm overhead in an arc, with as much range as possible. Now reverse the arc and lower your arm slowly, without assistance. If you cannot control the motion or if your arm drops suddenly, your rotator cuff might be compromised by a severe strain or tear at the supraspinatus tendon.

Lag Sign Test
While standing or sitting upright, bend your bad arm at the elbow to 90 degrees.

Using assistance from a friend or your opposite arm, rotate your arm away from your body slightly, as if you’re going to throw a ball. Now remove any assistance and try to maintain this position. If your arm drops or moves, you have a positive lag sign and your supraspinatus, infraspinatus, or teres minor tendon may be compromised or torn.

4. Infraspinatus Test
Your rotator cuff comprises 3 external rotators, one of which is the infraspinatus. To isolate this muscle, make a loose fist and bend your bad arm at the elbow, so that your forearm is at 90º and the top of your knuckles faces forward. Keeping the elbow tight to your waist, apply pressure inward on your bad arm and try to resist it. If you feel pain or weakness or are unable to hold the position, there’s a good chance you have a compromised or torn infraspinatus.

5. Lift-Off Test
This test can help identify a tear or compromise in the subscapularis tendon, which moves the shoulder into internal rotation. To perform the test, place the back of your hand against the center of your low back. Now try lifting your hand off your back. If you’re unable to do so without pain or weakness (or at all), this could indicate a subscapularis compromise or tear.

The content found on this channel and any affiliated websites are not considered medical or financial advice. The information presented is for general education and entertainment purposes only. If you need medical attention, seek care from your physician or physical therapist. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PTProgress, its employees, officers, and independent contractors for any and all injuries, losses, or damages resulting from any claims that arise from misuse of the content presented on this channel or associated websites. Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which help support the channel but does not cost you anything.

[Lilly-qtyy]

This video was incredibly succinct well shot and scripted when most other PT videos are extremely long winded unscripted and shot poorly with terrible audio. This is extremely good content and I hope you are proud of it.

[jaythegymrat]

Well, I just sprained mine due to wrong form in rear delt fly. I tried all of these and thank God that I didn't really felt any pain nor discomfort. I still feel a slight sensation of small pain in some movements but I believe it's nothing serious. Thanks for this video!

[nochoh]

I’m gonna show this to my doctor so they can understand what I’m feeling, thanks for the video man!

[susanb]

The thought of doing these motions makes me pass out. No question my shoulder is mess. Seeing Dr today

[nassermj]

You're like me. Quick short & sweet. Great vid!

[johnfromcork]

Thanks for your clear instructions they are very helpful.

[deirdreemmanuel]

This was a terrific video and very helpful..onto the next .Thank you for that!

[petevodulia]

Phew. I think I passed all your “tests” — I’ve been stressed the last week or so after injuring my shoulder which I had surgery on in 2015 (full rotator cuff repair) and hoping and praying I didn’t damage it to the point of surgery. Had an X-ray earlier today and the doc ordered me to REST it for the next 10 days. Praying it heals…. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[LloydD]

Excellent. To the point. Easy to understand. Avoids the useless yapping so common in this type of instructional video.

[tirupathikankipati]

Thankyou for your advice.i am suffering with shoulder pain and neck pain

[mattr]

Thank you for a succinct and helpful video! No editorializing… just right to it.

[larryevans]

Excellent! Quick and to the point without a lot of chatter.

[mikejames]

Very helpful and to the point. Thank you.

[Bubba_Fett_]

Oh man this helps a LOT; after a medical procedure (cardio version with arms locked down) - cannot move arm behind my back. This vid helps a ton to ID the potential issue. PT has helped a lot with the pain, and we are making progress with mobility. Thx for the vid! 👍🏻

[kingmaruki]

yup, i have the sub scapa lapa tapa tear. Thank you for helping me identify this

[MikeSuperJohnson]

Awesome video and explanation! Thank you!

[yousefrawashdeh_fs]

Mannn your putting our whole studying out there
Gotta respect the feel for others

[Loyalty]

I needed this root-cause tool so bad. It was my subscapularis. I then watched a couple of videos on "releasing" it. Within 10 min of watching this video, my pain was gone. Thank you SO much, Sir!!!

[judyrobbins]

Great information, Thank you for this video.

[dominicbenecasa]

Him Tim it's uncle Mick, love seeing you on YouTube. I have had 3 Arthoscopic surgeries on my rotator cuff and now I'm old and decrepit. 😂😂😂 Love you guys!