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Does Rotator Cuff Tear Hurt All the Time?

Does Rotator Cuff Tear Hurt All the Time?
Does Rotator Cuff Tear Hurt All the Time?

Rotator cuff tears are a common injury among athletes, especially those who play sports that involve repetitive overhead motions such as baseball, tennis, and swimming. But what many people wonder is whether or not a rotator cuff tear hurts all the time. In this blog post, we will explore the answer to this question and provide you with some insight on how to manage the pain associated with this injury.

To answer the question of whether or not a rotator cuff tear hurts all the time, it’s important to understand that there are two types of tears: partial tears and full-thickness tears. With a partial tear, you may experience pain only when you move your arm in certain ways or lift something heavy. On the other hand, if you have a full-thickness tear, you will likely experience constant pain that can be severe at times.

That being said, it’s important to note that even with a partial tear, you may still experience discomfort throughout the day. This is because your rotator cuff muscles are responsible for stabilizing your shoulder joint and any damage to these muscles can result in pain and weakness. To help your recovery make sure to get enough sleep with rotator cuff tears.

If you suspect that you have a rotator cuff tear, it’s important to seek medical attention from either a physiotherapist or chiropractor. They can perform diagnostic tests such as an MRI or ultrasound to determine the severity of your injury and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Treatment for rotator cuff tears typically involves rest, ice treatment, and physiotherapy exercises to strengthen your shoulder muscles and improve range of motion. In some cases where conservative treatments aren’t effective enough, surgery may be recommended.

In conclusion, whether or not a rotator cuff tear hurts all the time depends on the severity of the injury. With partial tears, you may only experience discomfort when moving your arm in certain ways while with full-thickness tears, you may experience constant pain. Regardless of the severity of your injury, seeking medical attention from a physiotherapist or chiropractor is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right care and management, you can recover from a rotator cuff tear and return to your daily activities pain-free.

About the Author

Nitin Nair, MScPT is a physiotherapist at CARESPACE Victoria North. He helps clients improve their health through personalized, evidence-based care. If you’re looking for physiotherapy in Kitchener, CARESPACE offers coordinated support designed to help you be your best.