The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. Injuries to the rotator cuff are not always immediately apparent. They can be the result of a sudden injury or accident, or they can be the result of repetitive movement and abuse to the joint. Some minor shoulder pain may be immediately dismissed as sore muscles, but there are some definite signs that you have damaged the rotator cuff and need to be seen by a doctor.
Consistent, Chronic Pain
When you have pain in your shoulder, it is a sign that something is wrong with the joint. When the pain lasts for more than a few days or weeks and does not seem to improve with time, ice, rest, and elevation, then you probably need to be seen by a doctor for a possible rotator cuff injury.
Reduced Mobility
If you are beginning to find it difficult to move your shoulder, it could be a sign of a rotator cuff injury. For example, you may have difficulty reaching behind your back or reaching up to comb or brush your hair. The more problems you have moving the joint, the more likely it is that you have a severe injury to the rotator cuff.
Weakness in the Shoulder or Arm
When the rotator cuff is injured and left untreated, it can lead to weakness in the shoulder and arm. You will begin to notice that you are not able to lift as much as you normally can. Even lifting an eight-pound gallon of milk might seem like a major chore.
If you have these or other symptoms of shoulder pain and immobility, contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. We can examine your shoulder and use imaging to help determine the cause of your shoulder pain and administer treatment.