Do I have rotator cuff tear and is surgery necessary?

[@bentyrrell8083]

I had a 50% tear in my left rotator cuff, was so painful and swollen I couldn’t move my elbow away from the side of my body. The surgeon who I had a consultation with told me that it would not repair on its own and that it needed surgery. I done some research myself and found out that even if I was to have it done, there’s a good chance that it may tear again/not be much better than it was, amongst other complications and having 8-12 weeks off work. I decided not to have surgery and slowly I got a full range of motion back and it took about 12 months to get back to full strength and lift weights to what I was pre injury. 2 years later, no surgery and it’s as good as it ever was 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Khalid-gw4gw]

How did you regain your strength back? and how did the injury occur? Thank you please get back to me!!

[@bentyrrell8083]

Khalid I had physio on it. So this was certain stretches that I had to do get a better range of motion and a small amount of strength back into the joint and this would of acted as a pre-habilitation prior to any surgery if I was to have it done. The full strength came back in time with light weights in the gym. I’m a bricklayer, I was at work and layed a thermalite block above my head and I felt my shoulder pinch, that was it! I could move it for the rest of the day but not when I woke up in the morning

[@Khalid-gw4gw]

@@bentyrrell8083 How did that cause a 50% tear? Seems a bit extreme! I'm glad it's all sorted now, I hope exercises help me.

[@bentyrrell8083]

Khalid I have no idea?!!! I think it must have been getting worn before this and then lifting the block finished it off. For about 3 weeks before , it was aching when I lied on that side in bed, but I was really heavy, about 16 stone, and I thought it was just because of my weight. Yeah keep up with the exercises ect and do your research on recovery. I even looked at stem cell treatment, it was about £7000 per shoulder

[@Khalid-gw4gw]

@@bentyrrell8083 Mine isn't as quite as bad as yours, I have full ROM but moving my arm in certain ways will cause pain especially twisting of the arm, do you think physio is worth trying?

[@norlias4557]

You are an exceptional Doctor, knowledgeable, helpful and responsive, answering all the questions. You are remarkable!

[@apexmovebetter]

Thanks. I try!!

[@imhandyarry9006]

I had an X-ray on my left shoulder and told I had a torn rotator cuff. I was told surgery would be needed, but was warned that it might tear again, so I thought what is the point. I did research and was told the same thing. I started low intensity stretches with resistance bands for a month. There was quite a bit of improvement. I then started light exercises for the 4 muscles surrounding the rotator cuff, and it was improving very slowly each month. I then gradually started heavy exercises, ie push ups, pull ups, push and pull exercises basically. But kept up with the stretching exercises. Cut a long story short, I now do Callisthenics, also I am 57 years old. It took 18 months to heal100%. So don’t believe everything your doctor or online info say.

[@apexmovebetter]

I'm Handy Arry we are now seeing patients after rotator cuff surgery that have failed especially in large repairs with full function and pain free. Glad you are better! I just want people to know their options so they do it if they feel it is appropriate for their situation.

[@NitaNita1964]

I had surgery 2006 dislocated left shoulder . Took me a year to hear. Yes you may have to get it done again. My DR told me lift nothing over 10lbs. Bouts shoulder hurt now. The L I feel I may need surgery again. Have an appointment soon

[@jerrychan79]

Like mine all ok except cannot raise my arm fully up,but stil do push ups,right now i use resistant band to train my shoulder back because of weak.so what type workout you do for resistance band.tq

[@dingdong6005]

How are you doing now . I think I have rotator cuff injury. Can you suggest any good exercises?

[@solace881]

I just want to thank you for actually going through and responding to comments and questions, we appreciate you!

[@Mike-jo3sn]

Awesome video- by far the best and clearest explanation without wasting viewer’s time. Thanks and great work!!

[@apexmovebetter]

Mike 77 thanks mike!

[@mungbean345]

My husband has been in so much pain for over a week. He has a pretty sedentary job so we can't figure out what might have caused this. The tele-doctor through our insurance said that he was young and healthy (he's not; chronic illness from multiple infections that are difficult to kick is a daily struggle and we mentioned that) and told him to take more ibuprofen and continue to rest. 🙄 Thank you SO MUCH for providing so many ways to do some quick tests at home to see how severe this issue may be. We'd rather not go in and spend a bunch of money to be continually dismissed as "young and healthy" but we also prefer to fix things when they are broken, so it's been tough trying to decide what to do.

[@apexmovebetter]

Your welcome.

[@vladpuha]

Thank you. Very informative. Please do the second video and explain recovery of partial traumas (non surgical way)

[@apexmovebetter]

Vlad Puha will do

[@mikebreler9724]

Yes, how does one recover the non surgical way if so indicated and what are the non surgical structural repairs that are possible?

[@scottsmith7051]

Unfortunately for me, despite a fairly diagnostic physical exam for infraspinatus tear, referral to ortho and MRI is not "approved" until you've done 6 weeks of PT. Great info about possible neck involvement causing similar symptoms!

[@apexmovebetter]

Tell us how you do with PT. Good luck!

[@yeoj1925]

Hi Doc, these are the MRI impression results- 1. Medially dislocated long head biceps tendon w/ accompanying longitudinal split tear 2. Full thickness full width subscapularis tendon tear 3. Full thickness partial width supraspinatus tendon tear. I'm doing physical therapy now for 3 weeks and no improvement. Do you recommend surgery?

[@apexmovebetter]

That is to early to tell if conservative care will work.

[@vyenegjohn4963]

I had dislocated my shoulder while playing basketball and I popped back in by itself, I can left my arms up and down at command but still fell pain. Do I need to see the emergency room ?

[@tomulator]

I can easily pass all the tests you demonstrated. No issues. Have had pain that comes and goes in my shoulder that started as a “pinched nerve” type issue in my upper neck region. Pain travelled down to my right rotator regions and, while the neck pain/stiffness has greatly improved, the pain is still nagging in my right shoulder. It also increases when I look up with my head. But, again, my shoulder is strong...can easily pass all the strength and range tests you demonstrate here. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@apexmovebetter]

Totally Neck issues

[@blazinchalice]

Keep your shoulders safe, everybody! It's a good idea to build strength among the four muscles of the rotator cuff. There are some good resources available on YT.

[@pinorocco4088]

00

[@mikebreler9724]

So you're saying that when its not a full thickness tear it may not need to be repaired surgically. In such cases of a partial tear, does the tear repair itself some or most of the time or does the tear just heal into scar tissue but not actually reconnect? Thanks

[@apexmovebetter]

Mike Breler it may not be necessary to be repaired in cases of a partial tear. It never reconnects but it can become no painful and highly functional.

[@mikebreler9724]

@@apexmovebetter Thank you for your response. One last question. If repaired, does the muscle and/or ligament eventually grow back together or does it mainly rely on the mechanical strength of repair such as sutures or staples? Thanks again

[@apexmovebetter]

Mike Breler once fully repaired it relies on the quality of the tendon and bone healing.

[@luvsilly60]

I had 3/4 tear. I recovered very fast. My key was only take the pain meds for 3 days. Then toss the sling and move your wrist a little. It hurts. Don’t push it. Just move a little from then on. At night for nights 4-6 I needed pain med because my shoulder was warm. After that I kept rehabilitating on my own until I saw the surgeon. He sent me to rehabilitation. Third time in I put my arm all the way over my head. Done. Blew their mind.

[@apexmovebetter]

luvsilly60 I think a gradual increase in load for a variety of conditions is the key to success

[@mikelunsford7462]

Is a warm shoulder an indication too..u wonder how to test that

[@wrathful1853]

I hope you can answer me A few months I got shoulder pain . I have no problem rising my hand or putting some pressure on her I can swim and its not problem. When im not doing nothing just staying i got pain. They gave me an injection 2x times and anti inflammatory cream and pills. What should I do ?

[@DA-ck9ug]

I've been in pain for months and finally had an ultrasound done about a month ago. I was told it's not a tear, but the muscles are inflamed. No Dr. follow up so I don't know what I should be doing? It's getting really bad but I tried the movements you show here and some I can do no problem, others are impossible.

[@DA-ck9ug]

@ɮᴇᴄφᴍɪnɢ - WR No it's not, but I'm much better now. Since Covid started and I'm working from home I am healed! I think.

[@leeni247]

This was really useful. I work in radiology and hear about cuff tears but never really understood what it meant!

[@apexmovebetter]

Ellski Thanks for the comment!

[@acreplus]

You're work in radiology and you don't know what a rotator cuff tear is? Please find another job

[@Mike-jo3sn]

Ocular ba ha ha ha nice one!

[@edcenatus9825]

I have pain in the front of my shoulder and i cant raise it my arm can only bend at the elbow my left hand hurts a lot what do you think it is?

[@stephenlandreville6599]

Mse! I literally spit the water out of my mouth reading your comment. I’m a physical therapist and I have to agree with your assessment. It’s definitely a prolapsed anus

[@telumears]

Stop self pleasuring and pray.

[@chrislee4132]

MRI shows partial width full thickness tear of distal subscapularis and a low to moderate supraspinatus partial tear. However unfortunately there also posterior moderate glenohumeral degeneration, would you still recommend surgery? or give PT a go?

[@apexmovebetter]

chris lee did you have a trauma? Or gradual onset of pain?

[@chrislee4132]

Acute injury October 25 th. Strength presented well then tried PT but recent MRI not as encouraging

[@serhioromano]

I have all of those symptoms but not severed. I mean my arm does not drop down but I have painfull feelings. My pain is going down half of my shoulder. I still workout. I have chosen excersices and range of motion that does not make pain worse. Do you think that is ok or better stop all training? When I had initial injury I had to stop workout for 2 years. Then slowly I was able to start training again. But one uncareful move and I have this problem again.

[@yoendyprado]

I'm going through the same thing , I injured my shoulder doing bench press and I was not able to workout again for a year. Now I can do it but I have to be really careful or I will feel like an inside pain in the front of my shoulder, specially if I'm doing any overhead exercises. I think it might also be a labrum tear and I don't know if it happens to you too but I always hear a clicking sound in my shoulder

[@serhioromano]

@@yoendyprado Clicking sound is a bad sign. I am sorry you have this. Iэму injured the during the same excessive. Bench press with dumbbells. My problem was that I did not do this exercise while I was getting very strong with other excessive. For example I did 3 sets 20 reps on parallel bars with 20kg extra weight including my 90kg. So my chest got strong but with involving rotator cuff, so when I started to do bench press I could use quite a heavy weight on chest musсles, but my other shoulder stabilizers was not ready. I should not listen to gym trainer and just continue my routine.

[@dollylove237]

Very informative video! I have the night pain, lying in that side hurts and I definitely can’t reach behind my back. Putting a jacket on requires some finagling with that shoulder and can be quite painful.

[@apexmovebetter]

Why don’t you get an evaluation t check it out

[@darrochmcelarney67]

Great video. The best one out there so far. Very helpful 👍

[@apexmovebetter]

Darroch McElarney thanks

[@nickt423]

I had a baseball game yesterday. Missed a pitch that i was swinging at and now all of the sudden i have pain in my left shoulder (aka front shoulder because im a righty). Id assume it occurred between the phase of my swing when i load up and bring my shoulders back and the phase when i start to extend my arms towards the ball (but i dont know for sure). I feel it in the lateral and posterior delt but cant pinpoint exactly where. I do feel some pain when i do the movement @4:35. And i feel pain when i reach up and across my body. I know it may be hard to gauge just through reading this but do people with injuries like this ever return to 100% (without surgery)? What the time table if it is healable? Should I be resting it or should i be starting in on light dumbbell and band exercises?

[@apexmovebetter]

I would give it 3 days of rest before jumping into strengthening exercises. Check in with me then.

[@apexmovebetter]

You can return to %100 but clearly harder with high athletic demands. First you should see how the first few days go. Sometimes things appear worse than they are in the first 48 to 72 hours

[@nickt423]

@@apexmovebetter Thanks I appreciate your responses

[@nickt423]

@@apexmovebetter Its been almost a week since the injury. Shoulder is getting better slowly. Havent done any specific PT exercises but i have been moving it through daily work around the house. Mobility in that shoulder seems pretty good. I do occasionally get a dull pain when moving my arm around randomly (usually when the socket is quickly stretched). Its coming from pretty deep within my shoulder. On a scale of 1 to 10 for pain during those moments, it might be a 4. Almost feels like a nerve something. It lasts a fraction of a second.

[@matthester3988]

I had a skiing accident. Got x-rays the same day. They said nothing was broken. However, I couldn’t move my shoulder fully for 2 days. Now 6 days after the accident I can do everything except “push up type resistance”. And if I move my shoulder a certain way I can feel the joint move unnatural. Pain is minimal unless the joint is tested. And I have a gnarly bruise from my trap down to my peck

[@kuzo2626]

any update? I'm facing a similar situation.

[@cakerape]

I believe I have a tear I can only lift my left arm straight but not without leaning back like your video... it's been a week and I've been icing and and using a shoulder brace.... if there's no improvement in another week I should probably get a MRI done? I really hope surgery isn't a must because I need my arm for work and recovery would put me on the side line. thanks for any advice

[@cakerape]

oh I forgot to mention i have inflammation on my tricep like a red rash but the pain is in the shoulder cuff area

[@apexmovebetter]

Rdizzle how did it happen?

[@cakerape]

@@apexmovebetter armwrestling tourney...😧

[@1724joshua]

Good thing I stumble across this video...I did the side arm test too.. If my arms are bent and I raise my elbow to my side, I dont feel pain but once I fully extend my arm, I feel pain. This suddenly happened and been going on for 2 weeks now. I didnt perform much shoulder exercise to make sure I wont do much damage. Now its getting better but the pain is still there.

[@apexmovebetter]

It is a good sign it is already starting to improve. With the elbow bent there is less torque on the shoulder. Best of luck!

[@timothytim1053]

What if you CAN raise your arms slowly and lower, but still with some pain?

[@apexmovebetter]

You may have a rotator cuff tear that depending on the activity it could be painful or pain free. It may also be related to a pinched nerve in your neck. Some neck or cervical problem can mimic a rotator cuff tear. Best of luck! Keep me posted. Get to the MD because if it is a large rotator cuff tear it gets harder to fix the longer you wait.

[@frankpaya690]

and you have to know what to insist upon, because a lot of medical plans (like Kaiser) with the arbitration clause, you will get dismissed by a G.P, as being "fine"when if you could sue them, the GP, to protect themselves from lawsuits, would refer you to an orthopedist .

[@nargisimteaz2023]

What is the difference between pain from frozen shoulder and Rotator caff tear

[@MrQuinnJames]

I had my third RC repair on Feb 19th, 2020...one on the left, two now on the right shoulder. All I can say to those of you who feel discomfort in your shoulders is to get yourself evaluated and see a physical therapist sooner rather than later. If they give you strengthening exercises, do them religiously. These tissues weaken as we age and any sudden trauma (in my case, a hard fall on ice) can cause some serious damage. In a fraction of a second, my shoulder was once again toast. I knew it immediately, since I'd felt it before. If I had been disciplined with my shoulder exercises, I may have survived that fall (might not have too...don't know)...but I wasn't disciplined, and now I'll probably never have full range of motion again. Word to the wise.

[@MOAB-UT]

How are you doing now after 1 year?

[@yossib1975]

can Ultrasound Testing show if i have atear or just MRI? ..what the differnt beetween them?

[@apexmovebetter]

yossi baruch I’m more familiar with MRI and is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear. My understanding is ULtrasound can detect a tear.

[@yossib1975]

@@apexmovebetter My orthodontist will never send me for an MRI, only for ultrasound he would send me ... here the doctors are so stubborn to send people to MRI as if they are paying for it money

[@mlntas]

Mine didn’t show through ultrasound. Showed through MRI

[@bettysmith7045]

@@yossib1975 an orthodontist straightens your teeth. An orthopedic surgeon fixes your musculoskeletal problems.

[@martinplumb6970]

Hi I have all of these symptoms my shoulder also feels like it as dropped a little bit and I keep getting pains in my chest through to my ribs all on the same side also been getting pins and needles for the last 3 months which lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes in the same arm what do you think this could be and should I see my doctor as I am a bit stubborn lol so keep putting it off thanks

[@apexmovebetter]

Martin Plumb I would check with a doctor to ensure you are not developing neurological weakness.

[@squincegoddess]

Left shoulder pain, some elbow pain and thumb pain. Can’t lift up arm to side or back and front, limited and very painful. Neck is bothering me a bit too. Throbs when I’m in a lot of pain and can’t get any decent sleep. Hurts when I move steering wheel, can’t comb the back of my hair lol, can’t even lift to shave my armpit cry!!! Some numbness too, can’t open pill bottles and so on. X-ray didn’t show anything, have an MRI and nerve test coming up. I had surgery 12 years ago on my right shoulder, bone spurs. I think this is different though. I’ve diagnosed myself with a tear lol.

[@apexmovebetter]

squincegoddess get a Orthopaedic evaluation to make sure you know if you have a shoulder or neck injury or both. You just don’t want to waste time treating one When it may be the other

[@KK-wv3vg]

Thank you for the video. As I see you respond to most questions, I have some of these symptoms, probably hurt myself 10 days ago. I didn’t have a sudden injury or atleast can’t place when it happened. But just felt sore in the upper back and right shoulder where the tendons attach and more sore is subsequent days. I do some exercises everyday and maybe I was hurting myself a little everyday. I also haven’t seen any bruising. After 10 days I feel less sore and still feel weakness in the arm while doing some of these movements. But can bring my arm up and down slowly and hear a click.. Have developed a neck tension on right side after this. Without any bruising , and without any sudden dramatic pain, can it still be a tear? Thanks.

[@apexmovebetter]

It can still be a tear but I would make sure the neck is not contributing to the current problem. Non-traumatic tears typically do better than falls resulting from fall or clear trauma.

[@KK-wv3vg]

Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation thank you for your response. How long would you say I wait and see before going to a specialist? Non traumatic tears, do they often heal on their own ? What’s the general recovery time?

[@davidharcot220]

@@KK-wv3vg hi k k it is two years now how you going? Is it getting better by now?

[@fr0gger666]

is it a rotator cuff tear if there's not any pain normally, but when externally rotating there is a loud snapping sound (some pain when it snaps)? also that shoulder makes sounds when externally rotating, like tendons rubbing over something... no idea if it's just inflammation or something else

[@apexmovebetter]

fr0gger666 first 2-3 weeks can be combination of inflammation and a tear of the rotator cuff or labrum.

[@Lcab-bh3wx]

Doc you're a good teacher. Thanks a lot.

[@apexmovebetter]

Thanks!

[@khole15]

i feel pain with the empty the cans test, what is the best rehab exercise in your opinion? and how often? thanks

[@apexmovebetter]

2 Timothy 2:19 not knowing your situation or a proper evaluation doing isometrics for the rotator cuff may be helpful.

[@Stormf0rce999]

So I in my 40 years out of no where I now have the pain and symptoms as described, I don't remember pulling or strecthing etc. Whats best to do? I don't want to bother the doctor or AE given the current situation with Corona but even with pain releif I am having real trouble sleeping, getting t-shirts on and off etc.

[@apexmovebetter]

Stormforce999 that is not unusual to not have a trauma or moment. do you you have any loss of motion? Just pain? Any weakness?

[@apexmovebetter]

Stormforce999 I would work on range of motion and probably move to isometrics. That is general advice but we are limited. I’m offering Telehealth very soon.

[@Stormf0rce999]

@@apexmovebetter wow thanks for quick reply, lots of pain when I try to raise my arm above waist height or reach behind etc. No noticeable weakness though I am trying to avoid moving it.

[@apexmovebetter]

Stormforce999 where are you located?

[@Stormf0rce999]

@@apexmovebetter in the UK

[@rubo1964]

Hi Doctor I have all the symptoms and suspect either full tear or good size tear.Because of virus I can't get treatment now.How long it takes before tendon retracts and becomes irreparable.Thank you

[@adryanridho5965]

bro same, how u doing rn?

[@rubo1964]

@@adryanridho5965 Did manage to get video doctor's opinion.Which was basically if you can move your arm up and hold a little up can mean even eye level then you dont have full tear then follows physical therapy.PT is closed now so I just looked some videos online.Important small minor improvements.Dont expect quick improvement and dont get discouraged.Its been 4 months and I made good progress. Slow healing is normal. Good luck

[@adryanridho5965]

Ruben Sahakian good to hear ur ok, gws. I can lift my hand up to eye level so now I’m not to concern about how severe, thank you tho for the info

[@jakkelway]

I've been diagnosed with a full supraspinatas tendon tear. However, I still have full movement and still manage, for example,120 pushups (4 sets of 30) and 32 chinups ( 4 sets of 8). I passed all these tests without any problem, pain or concern at all. I have no real pain (including no night pain) except when I move suddenly in an unusual way or my shoulder is suddenly jolted. I have trouble with some specific exercises like dips or shoulder press. I'm 50 years old. The shoulder surgeon has suggested surgery (because of the MRI result). I'm petrified. I don't want this. I feel like the surgeon who diagnosed me can't be fully correct, but I can't dispute the MRI. I trust this youtube site for advice. What would people do? Surgery and maybe never FULL recovery OR no surgery and maybe never quite normal again? Maybe just downhill despite feeling ok now? Thanks infinitely for any comments.

[@apexmovebetter]

Wayne Kelly if you are highly functional except for the dips and shoulder presses the concern is that may even be present after having the surgery. The length of time since the onset, tissue quality and expertise of the physician all play into the success of this procedure. You do have a window of opportunity that you don’t want to miss. I would definitely consult with a physician that does shoulder exclusively. Also, make sure you don’t have any possibility of your neck causing any of your pain. If you are in north jersey I would glad to take a look at your shoulder.

[@MOAB-UT]

Surgery will likely make it worse IMO. I would stop press ups and let it heal. Stop over working that shoulder. So now, 3 years later- how is it and what did you do- surgery? It sometimes helps but it is not a magic cure for sure. Can make things worse and always leave behind scar tissue at best.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@apexmovebetter Should I stop dips? My shoulder hurt but after PT I am almost 100%. I don't want it to come back. What about bench press? I had been doing both of those plus pull ups and tricept pushdowns when I first injured it. Not sure which movement caused the issue. I was not going too hard- but hard enough plus I am older now. What is safe to do- I enjoy working out. I have just been going light on all those movements and it seems fine. I can feel it but only slightly. I still do some of the rubber band work he showed me. Maybe DIPS are to be avoided? I think I feel that the most. I will still get in the dip position but then do leg lifts from there- like a bicycle motion with knees up high. It's a great ab workout. Thanks.

[@renatasorgon2981]

Wayne Kelly, how are you feeling today? 🥰 Did you have the surgery?

[@MOAB-UT]

@@renatasorgon2981 Nice dog- poodle? I had PT and it did the trick. I was hesitant to get a permanent surgery though sometimes they can help- sometimes they make things worse. You have to find a great surgeon- even then... I hope you are well if you hurt yours too. Not always easy.

[@TimmieTennis]

Hello Dr: may I ask, does atrophy of the supraspinatus necessarily mean partial-or-full-tear? I am a 60yo tennis player in good physical condition and hurt my shoulder while serving two months ago. I have been doing self-rehab with bands/weights, swim 1 1/2 miles, still play tennis w/o serving, and have full range-of-motion, but oddly the supraspinatus has atrophied somewhat. I saw an Ortho who did the empty can test, and was a little weak on the affected shoulder, but not extreme. She ordered an MRI. Should I just keep doing rehab for a couple more months, or go ahead and get the MRI. If it's a tear, it is mostly asymptomatic. Thank you for your comments! - Tim

[@apexmovebetter]

You sound highly functional. The empty can test is highly sensitive for weakness of the supraspinatus. Even if it was torn the question is whether a surgery would really improve your function at this point. Since it Is relatively asymptomatic

[@apexmovebetter]

The atrophy may be just a muscle that is not firing correctly. If it is a full rotator cuff tear there is a certain window to repair it as we discussed in the video. Based on your functional be concerned about doing repair for a partial or full based on how well you’re doing. If you got some guidance from a physical therapist you may be able to improve even faster. Maybe just a few slight adjustments in what you’re doing

[@TimmieTennis]

@@apexmovebetter Thank you for replying! I am trying some light abduction exercises to try to get the supraspinatus to fire. The belly seems to fill up when I do it, but then goes back to slightly concave at rest. I have an MRI next week, and will report back. :) -- Tim

[@apexmovebetter]

@@TimmieTennis 👍

[@nishakumar860]

I fell down arms stretched a couple of weeks ago. I was wounded on my right arm, which was pretty bad, so I was critical in curing it, and was not bothered about other pains. 2 weeks since that, now I have realised with this video that I have a an injury. Doctor, I was not able to do that thumbs down excercise. The pain is severe. I haven't visited a doctor yet. As mentioned by you about the pain. For me, there isn't any pain below the elbow. What should I do? Should I rush to a doctor or any exercise or rest be enough?

[@apexmovebetter]

nisha kumar I would give it 4 weeks then consult with a doctor

[@nishakumar860]

@@apexmovebetter Thank you Doctor for your reply. I have a question again, so should something ? Means, any exercise? Also I should mention thet I did a pretty much lifting in these days, not knowing the seriousness of this matter. So the previous night I had pain in the shoulder. Until this day, I had only pain when I was lifting hands, (not when resting it). So should I be just giving rest to my hands or should I move it well?

[@apexmovebetter]

I would not lift until that point. That be delaying the healIng

[@nishakumar860]

@@apexmovebetter Ok Doctor....then I shall rest that hand right?

[@apexmovebetter]

I would rest it

[@tamramatthis1055]

i had an injury to my shoulder in April 2015 at age 45, after an MRI, orthopedic said I only had a small tear which is okay and should not cause me much pain, and the main problem was degenerative genoid(?) arthritis. I insisted that I had no problems/pain with my shoulder until after the injury. I was prescribed meloxicam with no relief over the months. Old doc retired, assigned me new doc, who I complained to about same issue, he said same thg, and prescribed tramadol for the "arthritis" pain, which went on for about 1yr, kept ignoring the fact that I had no issues before my injury, kept explaining that degenerative mean the arthritis will only get worse over time. I stopped going, but continued to have pain in my shoulder ALL DAY EVERY SINGLE DAY. Long story short, I went back to same orthopedic Feb 2020 now age 50, for the constant ache, pain, no sleep, headaches, discomfort of now 360° around and through my left shoulder. Had another MRI, and now the "degenerative genoid arthritis" is so bad that it's not seen in someone my age, but in 70 & 80 yr olds. My shoulder isn't even in the same place now, and I have bone spurs. Now my shoulder can not be repaired, so I opted for cortisone shot, twice with no relief. Does not want to do shoulder replacement due to my age, but will do a procedure that involves putting cushion in the joints to help relieve some of the bone on bone friction. Since I was told the arthritis would only get worse, I got busy with life, and just dealt with the deep constant pain, muscle weakness, and all the other horrible symptoms for years. Currently prescribed Volteran 1% which won't be any immediate relief. I am also being referred to pain mgmt, but I think I want the cushion procedure, out of desperation for some relief. I came across this video while searching for answers to my issue, and just had to jump in with my story. Sorry so long. But if yu know of any other types of relief that would be good to try, please let know😢😢 Thank yu for taking the time to read this.

[@apexmovebetter]

Tamra Matthis sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. You may benefit from some gentle stretching and strengthening. A maintenance plan to make sure you don't get lose range of motion and atriohy

[@e.h.1843]

Hello, I have had for the past 3 months pain in my right shoulder (precisely rear deltoid area). It's difficult to wear a coat, get my arm behind my back and I have pain when I extend my arm upward. In your opinion is this a rotator cuff injury? I thought it was going away with time, but three months into this and the pain is always the same

[@FoodLoop]

Same and my shoulder is frozen

[@RodeoCowgirl-55]

Two or three years ago, I had scat scan test done on my right shoulder, doctor said very small tear...so he gave me steroid shot on top of my shoulder. Oh golly it hurts worse after the shot for about three months. I would never get a shot like that. Now my left shoulder been hurting since January. Going to ask my primary doctor this week to order scat scan test. I am deaf. I had cochlear implant magnet on side of my head where I can't have MRI because of the magnet. My primary doctor need to order test for me about my shoulder. I drop coffee cup twice. Weak arm..hurts whenever I raise my arm up. One time my pinky finger hurts whenever I lift something and it is called ulnar but it went away in matter of time. That is what my shoulder feels like similar to ulnar. Since I can't have MRI, what kind of tests do I need to tell doctor? ? Ultrasound, ink, scat scan or what? It may be pinched nerve or rotor cuff? ? Please let me know what tests I should ask for.

[@apexmovebetter]

Bobbie Sue Sanders you can get ultrasound but not sure about how accurate it is for rotator cuff tears. If Suspected nerve involvement a nerve conduction study would be appropriate

[@RodeoCowgirl-55]

@@apexmovebetter I am 64. I have bad neck, been told I need neck surgery. I had myelogram test on my back, oh hell that f u . . ing hurts like hell. I will never never get that myelogram test ever again ever. I have arthritis, had two back surgeries, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, bad joint in my hip been told I need hip replacement, the list can go on and on. I don't think I will ever recover or be pain free. The pain management took me off of pain medicine because I made one mistake. The other pain managements won't take me. My RA doctor is trying to find one that would help but the last two medicines, one is patch and the other is in the cheek and I am allergic to both of them. I am allergic to mobic. I just want my life back. It just feel like tooth ache all over my body. All the joints hurts. And my left shoulder horrible.

[@apexmovebetter]

Bobbie Sue Sanders Very sorry to hear. Please keep exercising as much as your condition allows

[@slimnoreaper885]

I just did bubble Soccer andmy shoulder,the area around my armpit and the lower part of my neck on the side of my neck hurt?wht should I do

[@apexmovebetter]

Eloment GT my most common exercise for neck pain relief is in my playlist called a cervical retractions.

[@wakejump4me]

Hello. Thank you for this great and very informative video. I am a professional athlete and recently hurt my left shoulder. The injury occurred 10 days ago. I had my left arm overly stretched out during an exercise and felt pain creeping up on me. At first it hurt in the back but then also gave me pain while doing push ups, pushing my car door open and sleeping etc.. Long story short. I had an MRI and the radiologist reported a rim-rent tear of the subscapularis and then it said it's a partial-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon... Everything else of the rotator cuff is intact.. All muscles and all other tendons are intact.. I am not asking for a diagnosis here. My question is: is it possible to recover from a partial thickness tear or is it recommended to have it repaired, especially for me being an athlete? All possible tests are negative. Full range of motion but pain with activity. I am thinking that the orthopedic specialist that I am seeing (and he mostly does shoulders) might read the MRI different... I am just confused as what to do as I know that even in partial thickness tears, the tendon never really heals like it was before...

[@apexmovebetter]

Alexander Witthöft__THE_GERMANATOR he tear doesn’t heal but it may no longer generate pain or limit you. That being said as a professional athlete you are stressing your shoulder more than an average athlete and may need surgery.

[@wakejump4me]

@@apexmovebetter I appreciate your feedback. Thank you 🙏. I will see the surgeon next week and will discuss my case. I am an ICU RN and even if I don't need surgery, I will need time off. Thanks again.

[@rassanzedkyakre]

@@wakejump4me Hello what happened in the end you did surgery ? It works? Thank you

[@MOAB-UT]

@@wakejump4me Can you please share your result? Hope you are feeling better.

[@harirajan2255]

Any updates?

[@shaunmckeown1101]

Just got a cortisone injection and no relief. Can't sleep on my side, and limited range of motion. It doesn't feel like it's a significant tear. Ohe MRI only revealed fraying, but after about 6 weeks of PT, I feel it got worse. It's still pretty strong, but the pain and limited range of motion are very irritating. Can I hope for any significant improvement without surgery?

[@apexmovebetter]

You still have time before you rush to surgery.

[@harsh1822]

i did theraband excercises for 1 and half months and I feel it's stronger but still I am getting clicking sound while I do rotation movements what does it results? do I still have a tear? and please let me know whether I can do normal house old works which a man normally does?

[@CineFutbolByScarlos]

Go get the spine check I recommend gonstead chiropractic I had the same feeling I was hurting my shoulder more because I had a back problem causing it it can Come from the upper part or neck area

[@hoffy1003]

I've made an appointment with the physiatrist, but couldn't get one for 2 1/2 weeks. Will that be O.K, to wait until then or does this type of injury need immediate treatment?

[@apexmovebetter]

It can wait till then

[@hoffy1003]

@@apexmovebetter Thanks so much.

[@senpapijj2033]

A few years ago in high school I felt like I tore something in my shoulder so I just stopped playing baseball I never got it checked ... I’d say 3-4 years but now I’m feeling some night/morning pains and pains throughout the day on my right shoulder ... idk what it could be

[@apexmovebetter]

Senpapi.it may not be linked to the first injury but may be worth an evaluation if it gets worse

[@mikeshidin]

I tore my supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons and a mild labrum tear in a fall on ice. Massive tears with retraction of both. MRI confirmed and I couldn't lift my arm up much even with PT before they did my surgery over 4 months later. Over 3 1/2 months post op and I still can't raise it much. Maybe 50 degrees. If they are torn, you will know it. Mine was worse case and they couldn't repair a lot of it. Good luck with what ever problem you may be having.

[@apexmovebetter]

Mykal Tee thanks for sharing. Sorry you are still having difficulty raising your arm.

[@usg2940]

I had a rotator cuff tear from football. It lasted for about a week. It was actually hard to lift my left arm up because of a hit. It eventually healed and I played the rest of the season being able to lift it up easily.

[@apexmovebetter]

Glad to hear you recovered!

[@usg2940]

Oh and I am currently having collar bone pains when I lift as well as when I let my right arm hang down ... is there any resolution to this ?

[@usg2940]

Is there a resolution to this?

[@apexmovebetter]

May want to limits bench presses, pec flies and shirts for 1-2 weeks then return to liggt lifts. If It isn’t better you may need a formal evaluation

[@usg2940]

Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation ok thank you!

[@iamhimman]

I have like a dull tight pain in my lat posterior delt and tricep and neck all on left side it just feels super sticky and tight and most of the pain comes from the rear delt. ANY idea please

[@apexmovebetter]

Gamma Slick sounds like a possible neck issue. Make sure you get an evaluation to ensure you have a. Neck or shoulder issue.

[@iamhimman]

@@apexmovebetter thank u. I am a weight lifter. And the back of the shoulder and high tricep and trap has been constantly bothering me. I do roll everything out with a ball and get some release but its irritating

[@apexmovebetter]

Through gradually working on rotator cuff and scapula strengthening if you have full range of motion

[@thegloriousquran1208]

@Semper Fortis not as sturdy before i guess

[@jessicaalicea701]

I can’t lift my left arm when holding something that’s heavier then a cup of water. I have no injuries, no pain (except for every once in a while I do get a sharp shooting pain that comes and goes (doesn’t happen often) It feels very weak. What kinds of exercises can I do to help? Or should I go see a Doctor?

[@apexmovebetter]

I would see a doctor to get proper diagnosis.

[@nickwilliams2723]

Hey doctor I've just turned 16 and around a year ago I performed a military press of 20KG with no warm-up. I was younger so I didn't know about form and injuries. And while doing it i felt a strain around the my back/shoulder blade, also deep within my chest. It hurt severely when breathing and it was sharp pain. The pain subsided over a couple months. I went back to the gym after some rest and I have clicking right under my shoulder blade somewhere during lat pull downs (also when mimicking the pull down movement with arm at 90° to the side). No pain with the clicking though. Any ideas?? I really just want to go to the gym and hit the weights again. I really miss going. Thanks Edit: I sometimes feel a tiny bit of nagging pain when I think about it too much. The very bottom of my shoulder blade muscle also clicks when i push down on it. It's weird to explain.

[@apexmovebetter]

Nick Williams you may have a rib issue that is displaced under the shoulder blade. No big deal if it is that. I would seek a physical therapy evaluation and get more information.

[@nickwilliams2723]

@@apexmovebetter I appreciate the response. Keep it up the amazing content!

[@dingdong6005]

How are you doing now?

[@sudhirkallingil7456]

Hello Doctor, I could see you responding to most of the queries..so hopeful of a response from you:-).. I get pain in the top area around the elbow when I raise my right hand. I don't realise any pain in my shoulders.. but feel pain during inner and outer movement of shoulders. I can raise the shoulder sideways up without any pain when my right hand is folded. Am not sure if this is to do with rotator cuff. Please let me know.

[@apexmovebetter]

Shoulder problems can refer to the elbow region and lack shoulder pain. You said when you fold your “hand “ or did you me elbow when it feels better? Just to clarify

[@sudhirkallingil7456]

@@apexmovebetter Thanks for your response. I mean when I lift my elbow sideways with rest of the hand folded/arms folded.. I do not experience pain in the shoulder. When I raise my hand sideways with arms stretched out I experience pain around the elbow joints. Apart from that experience shoulder pain during the dumble press up movement (without weights ofcourse).

[@apexmovebetter]

Sudhir Kallingil probably a slight Tendinopathy in the rotator cuff

[@sudhirkallingil7456]

@@apexmovebetter Thanks Doctor. Let me something about it.

[@apexmovebetter]

You may have tear but other muscles are compensating for the tear

[@bakshinsharma5746]

Sorry doctor I'm very afraid what can I do to heal it

[@bakshinsharma5746]

No doctor other activities I can do relate to my shoulder push ups but I can't use my shoulder while throwing the ball

[@joshlionbjj]

DID any of you get limited motions of neck and sinuses issues with your tear? Mine I think has nerve impingement

[@apexmovebetter]

I would make sure the cervical spine is not the origin of your shoulder problems.

[@KCswiish]

Hey Tom, I've been trying to figure out what my problem is and was wondering if you could help me. I'm pretty sure it isn't a rotator cuff issue. When I move my arm into flexion, there is minor pain however when I move my arm into lateral flexion there is a lot more. The problem is that the pain is located in my biceps, either on the short or long head, hard to pinpoint. The pain is also most severe as soon as I wake. I made sure I was NOT sleeping in a position that could potentially cause this, I was on my back. If you have any idea what it could be I would appreciate a response very much, thanks!

[@apexmovebetter]

youlolmuch I would think a long head bicep and/or labral tear.

[@genetenz]

I have a 6mm by 16mm complex tear in the supersprinatus. Will this require surgery or can it be rehabilitated with physio?

[@apexmovebetter]

genetenz how long have you had it?

[@genetenz]

@@apexmovebetter thanks for replying. One month

[@apexmovebetter]

genetenz well you have plenty of time to get surgery because it is relatively recent. If it is an “old” tear that just wasn’t painful until recently it may be more difficult to repair. Another important factor is your goals. Do you want to return to more demanding activities overhead presses, or if you are carpenter with heavy work demands. You really want to gather that information before the Window of opportunity to repair is lost. If you decide on physical therapy I have had numerous patients return a great deal of function without surgery

[@genetenz]

@@apexmovebetter I did it performing pull ups and too many rotary cuff exercises with a physio band. I am 38. I swim alot and would like to return to that. Heavy shoulder exercises like chin ups i can live without. Will it heal without surgery if I don't aggravate it? I do alot of submerging in ice water for 20 minute periods and will see a physiotherapist about exercises

[@apexmovebetter]

genetenz you may be able to be pain free but the tear will always be present. I really would get an Orthopedic surgeon consult for this. If you are in north jersey I can give you a couple of referrals.

[@XORLALI-Superstar]

Awesome quick review

[@peggylibretti2912]

thank you for helping me to confirm I do not have a rotator cuff tear based on your suggested tests, I have had pain in my dominant right shoulder and even more so in my upper arm for about the past 6 months. I woke up one morning very stiff as I sleep on my right side. I must have been in a bad position for an extended period while sleeping. Since then the pain has gotten worse especially if I stress it more with movement or lifting etc. the movement that causes the most pain is with my arm bent at elbow like a chicken wing trying to raise my arm/elbow, or trying to extend my arm outward towards my back, putting on a jacket type movements as well. With my past injury's for example tennis elbow, my experience is they kind of go away after awhile of being careful to not overuse, however this is not the case with my shoulder/arm. I would really appreciate any advise that you can give, what can I do to fix this? will it improve? will it go away! thank you!

[@apexmovebetter]

Peggy Libretti starting with simple rom exercises is generally a safe way to start. Probably cover on a upcoming vidoe

[@peggylibretti2912]

@@apexmovebetter thank you, a video on rom would be great!

[@leonphelps1901]

I have all of these symptoms for a torn rotator cuff; however, I can’t go get it checked out because of this stupid Coronavirus.

[@apexmovebetter]

Leon Phelps how long have you had shoulde me problems?

[@99jic]

@@apexmovebetter I dislocated my shoulder 3 weeks ago.. Can't lift my arm like you demonstrated.. Can't get checked til May 1st.. Any advice is appreciated

[@antoinetteturner2756]

Me to shit i can't sleep at night

[@antoinetteturner2756]

Pain

[@jonrandall7690]

99jic l

[@hernand7466]

I also have the same issue where I feel pain doing Jumping Jacks, Bench Press, Pectoralis Fly Machines, and Pect Cables. After I give myself time off from the gym (1 week) pain significantly goes away until I return to weightlifting. What could you assume this is?

[@apexmovebetter]

That could be a labral tear. I would get an evaluation.

[@apexmovebetter]

At the ac joint I would rest from over shoulder height movements for 1-2 weeks it should start feeling better. Avoid wide bench, lat pull behind your head and military press for3-6 weeks .

[@apexmovebetter]

How are you doing? Any questions?

[@lloydpadilla2895]

O man damn military presswe had to do for gym on school no wonder I will take y option and take a break thanks

[@ajitpisal29]

I have a pinching pain on my right shoulder while doing upper body strength workout. My MRI suggested 2nd grade tear. Should I go for surgery. I don't have any issues with normal hand moments. But can hear clicking sound from my shoulder while rotating.

[@JTNRAO7]

I have the same problem like you from the last six months. Did you go for surgery?

[@ajitpisal29]

@@JTNRAO7 No i went for shoulder rehab therapy for a couple of weeks. Took some needed rest and just started my workout within my pain limits. Best of luck mate..!!

[@greenarrow1730]

Sir I was doing some fly's in the gym and then I felt like my right shoulder got pinched and it made sort of like a bone cracking sound.i have a swollen right neck and face with a nerve popping out off my neck. Does that mean I have a rotator cuff tear. Please advice.

[@apexmovebetter]

That sounds like neck injury. I don’t quite understand the face swelling

[@greenarrow1730]

@@apexmovebetter thank u.

[@rahulkundurpi8622]

Great job! Very crisply and neatly explained.

[@rahulkundurpi8622]

I feel am definitely having a rotator cuff tear.

[@apexmovebetter]

Rahul Kundurpi have it checked out

[@rahulkundurpi8622]

@@apexmovebetter Yes, definitely I will. Thank you so much. 🙏

[@apexmovebetter]

That could be a neck problem. Most shoulder problems don’t give you hand pain. Do you have any neck pain?

[@Laundrey1]

Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation I’ve been diagnosed with shoulder impingement. It’s been 6 months. Happened when I was 39 by putting my hand on my hip (yep, that’s all it took). I turned 40 a couple months ago, but I’m in great physical shape. I do have shallow shoulder sockets and am hypermobile. It’s not getting better. I’ve had an x-ray and it showed no tears and I also still had great strength in all these tests. I can’t go back to my ortho right now due to the virus. I got mad at being patient with no change so I did full planks the other day. I’m now back with the cold feeling down my arm and sharp pains again. I just want this to heal. I’ve lost so much range of motion. I used to be able to wash my own back and apply my own moisturizer on my back and I can’t even shave my armpits and put on deodorant. It’s frustrating. Any help would be appreciated. Edit: I know this is directly related to my neck, also. On days I wake with a stiff neck the pain and tightness is worse and there’s sharp pain. I’m just trying to understand what is going on and why it’s not getting better.

[@wfox6985]

Awesome presentation. If you're not teaching - please consider it.

[@apexmovebetter]

Thanks!

[@ryanvallejo328]

I was wondering. I’ve had rotator cuff surgery in the past. Their times where I do get shoulder pain when I start working out once in awhile.. I noticed that my pain doesn’t mess up my flexibility on my shoulder and I pass the test from here.also the ones the doctor told me to. I don’t have any pain while doing the test or loss range of motion. Is their something I can do to help me with my shoulder?

[@apexmovebetter]

Ryan Vallejo it is a broad question but going back to 1-2 x week of rotator cuff and scapula stabilizer strengthening.

[@lashondahursey6116]

@@apexmovebetter where are you located

[@apexmovebetter]

@@lashondahursey6116 Paramus, New Jersey

[@lashondahursey6116]

@@apexmovebetter I'm unsatisfied with the options in Lansing mi ..do you do telehealth or can you answer a couple questions

[@apexmovebetter]

@@lashondahursey6116 what questions do you have? I can't do telehealth since I'm not licensed where you are located

[@gregoryashton]

Hi, I’m interested to know if you’re aware of having rotator cuff injuries following whiplash? I found two papers on this, but when I posed the question to a specialist surgeon, he said they’re unrelated. The question was, can my rotator cuff injury that I had shortly after my whiplash injury cleared up, be a result of the whiplash injury from a car accident. The papers said that 25% of all whiplash injuries can result in rotator cuff injuries.

[@apexmovebetter]

Gregory Ashton it can be. Also, neck injuries can often give you shoulder pain. Do you have the articles you read that in? I would interested in reading them.

[@gregoryashton]

Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation Interesting to know, thanks for your prompt reply. Unfortunately I only printed the journal articles at the time and didn’t save them. I did a quick search yesterday and couldn’t quickly find them again, but I will keep an eye out and let you know if I find them. There seems to be mixed results though from some of the older papers I did stumble across.

[@gregoryashton]

To further add, I seem to remember one of the methods they used in researching one of the studies was looking at the figures of shoulder injuries following rear-end car accidents resulting in whiplash, by gathering accident reports from hospital data.

[@apexmovebetter]

Gregory Ashton thanks for looking. Our local medical library may be able to find the article.

[@mrreginator]

I don't have a lot of difficulty moving my shoulder, unless i have to lift things up like shoulder press. It kills me. I really hope its not a tear

[@apexmovebetter]

mrreginator that is a movement that is difficult with a tendonitis or tear in the rotator cuff. I would get it work Orthopedic evaluation

[@matarmatar4153]

I have had this pain in shoulder (instability) for a couple of yrs, I was training at the gym with pain, kept doing it, made it worse, but after 2yrs of not training I'm better, doing phsyio but it sucks, I can't lift things at the market, do basic stuff things, also when I sleep I feel pressure if I lay on the side, worst part stopped exercising and playing basketball . I don't know if I should do a shoulder surgery, best I can do is lift the shoulder to half upside but I'll still feel pain. Please help. Nothing showed up on MRI or US . Doctor's keep saying instability, but even the resistant bad exercises some of them are painful

[@apexmovebetter]

Matar Matar I realize it is instability but are they recommending surgery? It sounds like you may need it.

[@matarmatar4153]

@@apexmovebetter when I went to the orthopedic he suggested me to try physio first because it can be dealt without surgery but he can do surgery, however I never popped out my shouldr, and I can swim but there always will be that uncomfortable or pain while exercising, playing basketball, lifting stuff at the market. it did got better but still not enough, I don't know if I should do this surgery, I'm afraid of what could happens, and I don't know if there will be any scars on the shoulder

[@apexmovebetter]

Matar Matar I understand. Keep Up with the Visio especially if the surgeons hesitant about going right to surgery

[@matarmatar4153]

@@apexmovebetter Alright, thanks for replying !

[@majinblue0111]

I was involved in an accident and my back is in pain but it comes and go, it doesn't hurt when I'm laying down but when I lift my right arm I can feel pain on the left shoulder on my back and slight pain going towards my neck

[@boboldbean]

Does bicep muscle atrophy when rotator cuff is torn?

[@apexmovebetter]

bob marshall not in my experience. Unless you have had long periods of splinting or lack of use.

[@chongtak]

Please do an AC joint video, I have a pain on top of the AC ligament after exercises with the roll ab wheel.

[@BboyJJRuda]

Hello, I need some help. I’m a breakdancer that suffered a shoulder injury back in April 2017, and I have footage of the occurence. I definitely didn’t dislocate my shoulder but i did feel/heard tears and cracks when the incident happened. I decided to just let it heal on its own but didn’t stop dancing. I did not do any physical therapy on it or saw a doctor about it (at the time). Fast forward about a couple months (July 2017), I did a backflip and reinjured my shoulder again. I was not expecting it to return considering i thought it was healed. Althought not as severe, i unfortunately heard/felt the same cracks on that shoulder. I decided to go see a doctor, and i got an xray but nothing was out of place. He suggested i get an MRI, and even got it all scheduled, but I got too lazy about it and just let it go. All the advice he gave me was to do some shoulder exercises or PT. He gave me a packet with a list of exercises to do. So i was kinda lazy about it and fast forward about, A year and a half, i reinjured it doing a backflip again. Its so weird because ive been doing many backflips between the time I last injured, and never got it reinjured until then. I did however notice it would almost give out whenever doing flips, but i never reinjured it to that extent until it happened again. I don’t know if it’s a certain angle I do my flip where it causes that tear. I am currently a student but unemployed so i’ll have to figure out how to get a doctor to give me an order for an MRI. I’m fine now but it most certainly feels weaker. and now i have crepitus whenever i lift my shoulder in specific motions (such as laying on my back and raising my arm from my side, all the way up above my head, or even when I make the same motion when I injured it the first time). I have footage of both the first and second injuries of my shoulder, and I wanted to see if you, with your knowledge as a sports doctor, could help discover what ligaments I might have torn and how I can prevent it from tearing again. I have full range of motion, but it does feel a bit weaker in certain moments. Maybe you could help tell me if it’s a partial or full tear? Thank you!

[@apexmovebetter]

BboyJJRuda my feeling is doing some Rotator cuff and scapular stabilizer exercises for six day weeks. If you don’t see a difference then I would seek an orthopedic evaluation. I would hope to see a difference in your strength start changing at that time. Just for the record I am E orthopedic and sports physical therapist not a doctor. If you happen to be in northern Jersey I replied to look at it for you. Best of luck!

[@starkiez100]

Great content but the sounds is too low!

[@apexmovebetter]

Sam T thanks for the feedback. Working on improving the sound.

[@MOAB-UT]

I tested positive for about 2 out of 6-8 tests at the PT place. It doesn't hurt bad but in certain overhead movements I can feel it. I don't sleep on it. My arm doesn't drop but again, in certain movements it doesn't want to hang out there too long either. They have me doing ice and strengthening band exercises. What do you think is going on and the prognosis without surgery? My guy didn't seem too worried about it honestly. I just want to make sure I am treating it correctly so it doesn't get worse. I think I got it from wide grip pull ups or some new weight lifting I was doing. Nothing popped- just got sore days after and it's been over a month now.

[@apexmovebetter]

That could be just inflammation in the region. At 6-8 weeks I would reassess or get an inperson evaluation.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@apexmovebetter Thanks- will do.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@apexmovebetter Thanks again. At less than 8 weeks, with PT and icing and care, it is 99% better. I am back to working out but taking it more slowly and warming up even more. Lesson learned!

[@dingdong6005]

How are you doing now?

[@MOAB-UT]

@@dingdong6005 Thank you for asking. I am doing great- maybe 95%. No pain. At the gym I am simply aware to not push too hard and to keep doing some of the healthy movements the PT showed me. I think I got lucky. These things do not always heal well. He told me to stop trying to stretch it hard everyday until it healed. I was desperate for relief. He told me to use more ice (look into Torex Mojility agent big soft, gel packs are amazing) and to do specific oppositional movements with rubber bands. I think he helped me but also, time and simply it was not too bad. I likely over exerted trying to hard to do pull ups and push ups. I am also getting old! I am not 20 anymore, but fortunately, most days I feel just as good so I push. Do you have a shoulder issue- how is it going for you? What have you tried?

[@ilielafever3417]

I DO ALOT OF LIFTING. I have pain in my shoulder blade and when i move it up and down it sounds like its cracking or snapping against each other. some pain in my left of my neck as well. All had to do with my left side. do you think it could be a rotator cuff? i feel pain through my neck to my elbow. What should i do 765three79one4five3

[@apexmovebetter]

Ilie Lafever that sounds like more of neck issue because of the shoulder blade pain

[@SteveoStories]

I have the same exact problem except for the neck pain. I stopped lifting because my shoulder snaps and cracks every time I rotate it certain ways. Maybe I drive too much? I dont have health care and that is why I havent seen a doctor yet. Is this a rotator cuff too?

[@apexmovebetter]

That sounds like a pure shoulder problem. That being said Occasionally you have problems at the neck that don’t cause actual neck pain but more shoulder, elbow and hand pain.

[@zindabaadharyanahr0428]

I m also same problem please help me to relief this

[@apexmovebetter]

Sardar Anmol Singh you probably need. A formal physical therapy evaluation.

[@BatEatsMoth]

I get pain about midway down my right deltoid, seems to be in the muscle itself; sharp, tight, aching pain. It doesn't look or feel torn. I get the pain when I reach across to touch my other shoulder, reach around to scratch my back, hold my arm up laterally, press my hand against my belly, etc. It doesn't present a problem when lifting weights in terms of strength, but I feel the locked up, sharp pain sensation when I do laterals (even with thumbs up) and bench press in any position. Would that be pain radiating from a torn cuff, or something else? Could it be a deep tissue tear in the deltoid, or maybe a problem with the fascia? I've had this problem for years; no activity or inactivity seems to heal it. It feels like someone pressing a knuckle or a knot into the side of my shoulder.

[@j_joseph1977]

Mine only hurts when I lift and I noticed that I have weakness in it but other than that no pain

[@DorsiaMaitreD]

I don’t have pain during the night or dead drop arms I’ve done your tests but do not feel pain doing the exercises. But for 4 weeks I’ve had mild pain from the upper shoulder and holding my hands above my head for a longer time hurts. I have not experienced any weakness but for 4 weeks I’ve stopped training shoulders and breast. No intense pain but really annoying!

[@apexmovebetter]

Jimmy Svitjod may be a simple loss of shoulder motion or thoracic extension

[@jacobcrowley4944]

My issue is similar but it only hurts when I workout with the shoulder and it feels really sore for 2 days after it’s mild and it does a weird pop or crackling with certain movements

[@DorsiaMaitreD]

@@jacobcrowley4944 2 years later and i have little to no discomfort in my shoulders. I do have cracking joints, but im 27 and iv'e had that since I was 16. Funny enough, if i do have some mild shoulder pain. Doing overhead press and pull ups really helps.

[@joshdavis7890]

Laying in bed with an icepack ... ready to try these tests

[@rileystokes1736]

Yeah im in the same boat bro i hate i

[@shashidharreddy2959]

isn't there anything like muscle scanner?

[@apexmovebetter]

An mri is the gold staff standard to detect rotator cuff tears

[@sierrajacobs3219]

I hurt my shoulder and I can't grasp anything with my hand.

[@apexmovebetter]

Sierra Jacobs grasp and lift or your grip is weak. What movements are difficult?

[@hafaball]

my pain is if I sleep on my left shoulder, but I can do all the movements but there's still some pain that'll lessen over the day. It's mostly when I move it up and down; across it doesn't hurt at all. I've been exercising more since the virus and started taking Tylenol to see if that'll help. Is this just tendinitis? How long do you recommend I wait til contacting a doctor?

[@apexmovebetter]

Hafa Ball sounds like it is slowly in improving. If not improving completely in 6-8 weeks from the start seek a consult from a physical therapist or doctor

[@jovanprunty98]

Hi doctor I’ve had some difficulty with both my shoulders for years I’ve gotten MRI done on my right shoulder and I know it’s a partial thickness tear. That was a few years ago and I now am getting the exact same pain in my left shoulder so I’m pretty sure it’s the same thing I do all the rehab exercises and everything but I still get some discomfort with certain movements not that much pain. I really would like to avoid any surgery seeing as I cannot afford it. Also I lift weights pretty often. But I get the same discomfort whether I lift weights or I rest it. I actually feel like its better when I am lifting. Any suggestions?

[@letmeexplain1816]

🤔Meeee toooo, it's now coming into my left shoulder!! Really concerned about my arm pain when I, for example when I clean, crocheting or writing for long periods of time 😣😣

[@Vinodk6190]

Which kind of doctor is needed in this kind of injuries

[@apexmovebetter]

Vinod Kale you want a Orthopedist.

[@apexmovebetter]

That could be simple inflammation in the shoulder.

[@edm8037]

I have a rotator cuff problem now after i used the pull-ups at the gym repeatedly. I am going to wait for 3 months and see if it heals otherwise, i would have to see a doctor.

[@apexmovebetter]

You might be able to get back sooner if you see a physical therapist

[@apexmovebetter]

Better to know for sure.

[@stevekurzban9352]

About 7 months ago I "felt wrong" starting elevated pushups - but did them anyway. You know, no pain, no gain (it was only 40, 5 times a day, every other day). The following day I started to have back pain (or shoulder, no longer recall). It's also possible I hit my back on a turnstile trying to squeeze through a day or three before. It got bad especially trying to do anything behind me and even the weight of the arm bothered me. Saw an orthopedic doctor and he gave me a shot and some exercises to do, and they did an x-ray plus scheduled an MRI. Diagnosis was rotator cuff, micro-tears. It's been improving with the bands for exercise and now doing 20 of the inclined pushups after. I'm supposed to do the exercises twice daily but am doing it once, twice every other day, 10-30 reps recommended and am up to 20. On my good shoulder the bands seem like almost nothing, but hard to do on the bad one still. The pain is at the shoulder blade not the shoulder itself but I believe the doctor's diagnosis to be correct. I'm 66 years old, and was just wondering, I have been noticeably improving lately, but have daily off and on pain, just not so bad I'd consider another shot. How long does it usually take to get back to "normal"? Do I need to work through all four bands before stopping the exercises, I'm just on the 2nd from weakest.

[@victoriarose6682]

Me laying in bed at 3:30am putting ice on my shoulder this pain is no joke😂c

[@apexmovebetter]

Sorry to hear.

[@miamaloney2362]

girl same!!! never related to something more in my life

[@Blujonny11]

Two weeks ago I was trying to flip a heavy (but skinny) box over on its side using mostly my fingers and I felt the ball in my right shoulder socket sort of 'pop' forward as the box lifted. Not a loud pop but maybe more of a muscle pop. More like a 'twist' though than the ball 'dislocating.' I haven't lost any movement in my arm. I can easily lift my arms above my head and control it down without any pain. I don't have any pain lifting my hand behind my back with that arm. I can also 'pour' water out of a bottle and turn my arm and wrist without any pain. But I do have 'nagging' pain. I notice the most pain is if I hold my arm tight across my body and then try to lift something I'm gripping. Like a 'bar' of soap across my chest in the shower. Then I get a tight 'succint' pain. Some of that is also in the bicep. If I was to lift something heavy it feels like it's going to be painful obviously not that I've tried. I would say mostly it feels like something is 'pinching' in my shoulder. Also when I am driving I avoid turning the wheel completely with that arm because it feels like if I twist too far out there's sort of a tightness 'threshold' there. Three days a week I work in an 'industrial' type job where I operate a forklift and sometimes have to lift my arms up and have sort of been working 'through' it. Though the other four days of the week I don't do anything physically strenuous related to my shoulder. It hasn't forced me to take any time off work but again, the pain is constantly there and nighttime is the worst though there have been nights where I have been pain free up until the moment I wake up. I am trying to figure out whether I have actually torn something major or not.

[@apexmovebetter]

Blujonny11 after 6-8 weeks if it persists and is significantly better I would seek an orthopedic evaluation. Especially since it’s causing you to lose work time

[@Blujonny11]

@@apexmovebetter thanks for the response. Did you mean 'isn't' better?

[@apexmovebetter]

I meant isn’t

[@apexmovebetter]

Your welcome!

[@apexmovebetter]

You may want to consider another physical therapist. Concerned if this is a frozen shoulder or MRI missed something. Just a thought.

[@apexmovebetter]

Definitely try another physical therapist. Maybe a fresh approach would help and make sure they ensure the neck isn’t contributing to the condition.

[@aneeshav]

I am 40 years old - healthy. I live in the UK. My right front shoulder started having a pain last July after a workout. I took off from workout for 10 days and the pain was there. Did some physio and it was there. I stopped all chest and shoulder exercise until October then slowly started chest (without incline) but no shoulder. NHS won’t forward me to specialist as I was functioning properly - none of the symptoms you mentioned are there for me - can take my arms up side, no pain in the night - can take arm backwards etc. So in December I went I India and they did an MRI - The report said I have 4mm full tear. My uncle who was the ortho surgeon told not to do any surgery as I am functioning properly. I do workout every day (still no Incline press or shoulder press) but every thing else. Do you recommend a surgery? Or can I move forward with this?

[@apexmovebetter]

Aneesh Vijendran I would move forward. If you did surgery you could lose what function you have.

[@apexmovebetter]

Aneesh Vijendra great example of why you shouldn’t treat solely based on an MRI.

[@dingdong6005]

How are you doing now?

[@GenXstacker]

I probably already waited too long. Think I have a tear in the supraspinatus for the past year, but can't get to a doctor because I'm only covered in my home state and I travel full-time for business. Thanks Obama!

[@apexmovebetter]

Uncle Putin. I would at least get an MRI. It would be worth at least to know what you have.

[@DianeScotts]

It is not all that bad if you can't take time off to get it fixed. It has nothing to do with Obama.