Possible Rotator Tear

[yuccarob]

I have pain on the outside and high on my right shoulder. I think I have a tear in my rotator cuff. I have been dealing with this over a two years. Although the pain is not as bad as it was I have lost some use of my right arm. My question is, if it is a torn rotator cuff will it heal itself over a period or is surgery the only answer??

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you feeling?
Your symptom of pain outside and on top of joint suggests that you might have bicipital tendonitis.
Your other important symptom of pain while doing movements at or above shoulder joint suggests that you might have biceps tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, or rotator cuff calcific tendonitis.
I think you should be consulting an orthopaedician and get X-rays—including AP and lateral views of the shoulder in internal and external rotation, and axillary views—and MRI are indicated.
Treatment usually consists of conservative treatment, including physical therapy, is generally successful.
Surgical repair for rotator cuff tears is reserved for partial tears refractory to conservative treatment and for full thickness tears.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[yuccarob]

1. The pain is deep on the right outside and up on the top outside.
2. Any movement at or above shoulder height is painful.
3. I have noticed that when for example I and scanning with binoculars it give way and I get a jerky motion.
4. I have had the pain for over 3 years and have been to therapy had injections intended for the knee to build cartilage and lubricate. The injections helped for a period the therapy only made things worse.

[JainMD]

Hi,
When any patient complains of “shoulder pain,” the initial few differential diagnosis consist of the following four entities:
1. Impingement syndrome and rotator cuff disease.
2. Rotator cuff calcific tendonitis.
3. Biceps tendonitis.
4. Superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions.
Before we discuss further I would like to know few things;
Where is your pain exactly if you have to point out with your index finger?
What movements, if any, exacerbate your pain?
Does your shoulder ever give way? Did your shoulder previously have pain, but is now only stiff?
How long have you had your shoulder pain and have you tried anything to help it?
Keep me informed.
Bye.