Pain When Lifting Arm and Loss of Strength?
Rotator Cuff Tear — Problem with tendons that move shoulder.
Shoulder aches and feels weak when dressing, picking up objects, lifting arm. Difficult to sleep at night lying on affected side.
3 Key Points This Page Explains
- What rotator cuff is and why it tears
- Treatment direction according to degree of tear
- Cases recoverable without surgery and methods
These Symptoms May Indicate Rotator Cuff Tear
- Front or side shoulder pain when lifting arm – Most painful around 90 degrees.
- Worse pain lying on affected side at night – May cause sleep disturbance.
- Feeling of weakness in arm – Can’t apply strength when lifting heavy objects or reaching high.
- Difficult to reach behind back – Hard to reach up back or fasten bra hook.
- ‘Pop’ sound in shoulder – Catching feeling or sound in specific movements.
What is Rotator Cuff?
Rotator Cuff consists of 4 tendons surrounding shoulder. They lift, rotate, and stabilize arm.
- Supraspinatus – Lifts arm to side (most frequently torn)
- Infraspinatus – Rotates arm outward
- Teres Minor – Rotates arm outward
- Subscapularis – Rotates arm inward
These tendons pass through narrow space between bones, making them prone to wear from repetitive use or poor posture.
Causes of Tear
- Degenerative changes – Natural wear after 40s
- Repetitive use – Work requiring overhead arm use
- Trauma – Falling or lifting heavy objects
- Posture problems – Impingement from rounded shoulders
Stages of Rotator Cuff Tear
Treatment direction varies depending on degree of rotator cuff tear:
Tendinitis/Tendinosis
Inflammation or minor damage in tendon
→ Most improve with conservative treatment
Partial Tear
Part of tendon torn
→ Recovery possible with circulation treatment + rehab
Complete Tear
Tendon completely severed
→ Surgery consideration needed
Important: Even if MRI shows tear, surgery isn’t immediately necessary. Partial tears often improve with conservative treatment. Functional recovery and pain relief are treatment priorities.
Our Approach at Yonsei Shinmyung
Rotator cuff tear treatment isn’t just ‘treating tendon’ but recovering overall shoulder function.
- Step 1: Downshift (Circulation HD)
Reduce inflammation and release adhesions around damaged tendon. Precise ultrasound-guided procedure at exact location. - Step 2: Activate (Circulation PT)
Strengthen weakened rotator cuff and release tension in other muscles that were overloaded as compensation. - Step 3: Integrate
Correct shoulder movement patterns to reduce impingement on tendons. Learn proper shoulder use in daily life.
Simple Self-Test
Try these movements. If painful, may suspect rotator cuff problem:
Empty Can Test
① Lift arm 45 degrees forward, 90 degrees to side
② Rotate thumb toward floor (empty can pouring position)
③ Difficulty resisting downward pressure or pain → Suspect supraspinatus tear
Painful Arc Test
① Slowly lift arm from side
② Pain occurs between 60-120 degrees
③ Pain decreases when lifting higher → Suspect rotator cuff or impingement syndrome
Note: Self-tests are for reference only. Accurate diagnosis requires specialist examination and ultrasound/MRI if needed.
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Difficulty Lifting Shoulder?
We assess exact state of rotator cuff tear and confirm if recovery possible without surgery.
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