How to Tell If You Have a Rotator Cuff Tear or Shoulder Impingement
Nov 24, 2024
Shoulder pain can feel like a roadblock, especially for baseball and softball players. Are you worried about a rotator cuff tear or unsure if it’s just impingement? You’re not alone. As a double board-certified sports physical therapist, I’m here to guide you through the key signs and at-home tests to help you better understand your shoulder pain and take the next steps toward recovery.
What Are Rotator Cuff Tears?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in your shoulder, and injuries to it generally fall into two categories: partial tears and complete tears. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Partial Tear: Damage to the muscle, but it’s still partially intact. This can range from small to massive tears. Pain tends to be consistent.
- Complete Tear: The muscle is fully torn, often due to significant trauma. While this can cause severe pain initially, it may fade, leaving behind noticeable weakness.
Quick Analogy: Think of a sheet of paper. A partial tear is like a small slice or rip, while a complete tear is tearing the sheet in half.
At-Home Tests for a Rotator Cuff Tear
Here are three simple tests you can try to check for a rotator cuff tear:
1. Drop Arm Test
- Lift your arm straight out to the side.
- Slowly lower it back down.
Results: If your arm drops uncontrollably, it might indicate a tear, especially in the supraspinatus muscle.
2. External Rotation Test
- With your arm at your side, rotate it outward and hold the position.
Results: If your arm feels weak or snaps back even slightly, you may have a tear in the infraspinatus or teres minor.
3. Lift-Off Test
- Place your hand on your lower back and try to lift it off.
Results: If you can’t lift your hand or it’s extremely painful, this might point to a tear in the subscapularis.
How to Spot Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff gets pinched during movement, leading to pain and reduced motion. Try these quick tests:
1. Painful Arc Test
- Slowly raise your arm overhead.
- Look for pain between 60 and 120 degrees that disappears as your arm continues upward.
Results: Pain in this range often signals shoulder impingement.
2. Empty Can Test
- Raise your arm to shoulder height, thumb pointing downward, and resist pressure.
Results: Pain could suggest impingement or a rotator cuff issue.
3. Hawkins-Kennedy Test
- Raise your arm to 90 degrees, bend your elbow, and have someone apply downward pressure.
Results: Pain here is another sign of shoulder impingement.
What to Do If You Suspect a Shoulder Injury
These tests can provide clues, but they’re not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Persistent pain, weakness, or limited motion should be addressed by a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Your Shoulder?
So, how can you tell if you have a rotator cuff tear or shoulder impingement? A combination of consistent pain, weakness, and these simple tests can point you in the right direction, but consulting a professional is essential to confirm the diagnosis.
At Kam Physical Therapy and Performance, I specialize in helping athletes like you recover from shoulder injuries and get back to the game you love. Check out my detailed guide on pre-throwing and post-throwing arm care exercises to further protect your shoulder. Need more help? Schedule an assessment with us today.
Stay strong, stay healthy, and I’ve got you covered!
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