What can a doctor's exam tell me about my risk for rotator cuff disorders?

In rotator cuff tendinitis, tests usually cause some pain or discomfort.

• If tests are nearly normal (negative), you may have mild tendinitis or bursitis.
• Nonsurgical treatment may be started even if the tests are just slightly positive.
• If an injection of anesthetic into your shoulder relieves pain during the impingement tests, you are more likely to have a rotator cuff problem.

For a torn rotator cuff, weakness with or without pain is the key diagnostic sign.

• If you have a complete tear, you may be unable to raise your arm straight to the side or to hold your arm in that position if your doctor moves it there.
• Rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon, which is often minimally painful, may be apparent as the muscle rolls into a ball down near the elbow. This also can be a marker for a rotator cuff tear.
• If you have a torn rotator cuff, many tests may be abnormal (positive).
• Injecting an anesthetic into your shoulder may relieve pain but will not restore strength if you have a torn rotator cuff.
• It may be hard to tell the difference between partial tears of the rotator cuff and rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis.

You may have a rotator cuff tear but still have normal shoulder motion and strength. In these cases, the tear is usually mild.