Amol Gharote Orthopaedic Clinic

Rotator Cuff Tear or Shoulder Strain How Can You Tell the Difference Shoulder pain after lifting, exercise, repetitive overhead activity, or a fall is often described simply as a 'strain.' While minor soft-tissue irritation can settle with appropriate care, persistent pain or weakness may indicate a 𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder and help lift and rotate the arm. Damage can range from inflammation and partial tearing to a complete tendon tear. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐟𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 A mild muscular strain often follows unusual activity or overexertion. Discomfort may improve progressively with rest and appropriate activity modification. A rotator cuff tear can produce a different pattern. Patients may notice weakness while lifting the arm, difficulty reaching overhead, night pain, or trouble performing movements that previously felt easy. Features worth evaluating include: Persistent shoulder painWeakness when raising the armPain while lowering the armDifficulty reaching overheadNight pain, particularly when lying on the affected sideSymptoms continuing despite initial conservative careSudden weakness after a fall or lifting injury𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲? No. Some tears occur after trauma, but others develop gradu... 2 days ago Learn more