Torn rotator cuffs commonly occur through aging or athletics.
A torn rotator cuff is either a rip in the supraspinatus muscle at the top of the upper arm bone---the humerus---or split tendons in the shoulder caused by bone spurs. It may be brought on by overexertion from physical activity, repetitive stress, or simple everyday wear and tear. Such injuries limit overhead arm and shoulder motion, which may become severe over time. Surgery is required to fully repair a torn rotator cuff.
Instructions
Pre-Examination Questions
1. Recall any activities, such as sports, exercise, physical labor or repetitive motion, that may have caused a torn rotator cuff, then note if there was a loud pop, weakness in the affected arm, or tingling following the incident.
2. List areas where pain is the worst, whether at the top or side of the shoulder, or a shooting pain running from the shoulder to the elbow.
3. Try sleeping or lying on your side. Pain may occur anywhere in the arm, but is most likely to occur at the top, either near or at the shoulder.
Examination
4. Conduct a full range of motion tests on the affected arm, including touching the top of your head, raising your arm straight up, reaching across your chest to touch the opposite shoulder, and holding your arm out straight, then lowering it. Note any pain or weakness.
5. Baseball pitchers frequently experience torn rotator cuffs.
Gently mimic throwing a ball. Start with your hand as far behind your ear as possible. Record any pain.
6. Check for weakness in the upper arm by lifting an object overhead. If you cannot lift an object, see if you can reach an object on a high shelf.
7. Test stiffness in the arm by resting it for at least 15 minutes and then attempting to raise your arm or hold it in front of your body.
8. While moving your arm, listen for a popping or cracking noise that resembles an out-of-place joint or bone clicking against bone.
9. Examine the results of these tests, and if necessary, make a doctor's appointment. Bring your observations to the doctor's office for review.
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