On a clear, sunny day, enjoying sports like tennis, swimming, or golf can feel invigorating—until a sharp pain shoots through your shoulder as you raise your arm. If lifting your arm between 60 and 120 degrees causes intense discomfort, sometimes enough to make you wince, or if nighttime pain prevents you from rolling onto the affected side, it may not be simple muscle soreness. You could be dealing with a rotator cuff tear.
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that envelop the shoulder, enabling you to lift and rotate your arm. Damage to even one of these tendons can restrict movement, particularly at certain angles, or cause significant pain. Unlike adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, where the joint stiffens and resists movement even when assisted, a rotator cuff tear typically causes pain only within a specific range, allowing the arm to move more freely beyond that point.
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination. Tests like the "Empty Can Test," which assesses tendon strength in specific positions, help identify potential tears. If a tear is suspected, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI are used to confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasound offers a quick and accessible way to detect a tear, while MRI provides detailed insights into the tear’s size, shape, retraction, and associated muscle atrophy, which are critical for determining whether surgery is necessary.
However, full-thickness tears, where the tendon is completely severed, rarely heal on their own and may worsen over time, often necessitating surgical consideration. Even a 2-centimeter tear might be treated differently in an active 60-year-old compared to an 80-year-old with minimal physical demands.
The key question is how much the tear affects daily life. A small tear causing severe pain that disrupts routine activities or persists despite six months of conservative treatment may require more definitive intervention. The goal of treatment is to restore shoulder function and enable patients to resume a comfortable, active lifestyle. Rather than defaulting to surgery, a tailored approach based on the patient’s unique condition is essential.
Early diagnosis and a well-planned treatment strategy are critical for managing rotator cuff tears. Distinguishing between simple muscle pain and tendon damage requires professional evaluation. Ignoring shoulder pain can delay recovery, while timely assessment is the first step toward regaining a healthy, active life.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
