If you’re experiencing bothersome shoulder pain, aching, weakness or limited function, there is a chance you may have injured your rotator cuff. This can happen due to an acute incident or age-related shoulder muscle degeneration. In either case, it’s important to know how to determine rotator cuff injury so you can get the necessary treatment as soon as possible, before the issue gets worse or more complex. This article will go into more detail on how to identify a rotator cuff injury and how to get a professional diagnosis and skilled care.
How to Determine Rotator Cuff Injury: Common Signs
Rotator cuff injuries may cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity. The spectrum of side effects from rotator cuff damage can include:
- Pain and weakness in the affected shoulder or the entire arm
- A dull aching sensation in the injured shoulder
- Reduced range of motion
- Trouble lifting and reaching overhead/behind your back
- Disrupted sleep
- Limited ability to perform your occupation or hobbies
If you’re dealing with one or more of these symptoms, the best method for how to determine rotator cuff injury is to see an orthopedic specialist. This professional can perform a physical examination and other testing on your shoulder to pinpoint whether a rotator cuff injury or something else is causing your discomfort. From there, they can diagnose your condition and its severity, then recommend an appropriate course of treatment based on these particulars.
Find an Answer to Persistent Shoulder Pain with Dr. Soffer
For any sort of rotator cuff injury, seeking treatment early on will help to avoid further complications. In many cases, rotator cuff damage can be treated effectively without a need for surgery, if it is addressed promptly. Still, some patients require rotator cuff repair surgery to completely resolve this type of injury. Regardless of the level of treatment you need, you’ll be able to trust that you’re in good hands by choosing Dr. Stephen Soffer for your shoulder care.
Dr. Soffer is known to offer individualized, highly skilled care, enabled in part by his completion of a sports medicine fellowship with one of the world’s leading sports surgeons, Dr. James Andrews. To learn more about Dr. Soffer’s credentials and schedule an appointment, call our Wyomissing, PA office at 610-375-4949.
