Best Way To Know If You Have A Torn Rotator Cuff

[@CanadasOceanPlayground]

Had complete supraspinatus detach , MRI showed retracted 2” , amazing surgeon in Dartmouth was able to reattach. The pain before was relentless, after 3 months recovery and now 5 years later its never been better, its like a Miracle to me what that surgeon was able to do for me.

[@frontlinemedia4270]

Let me guess you did this bench pressing heavy weight

[@cliffaugust6704]

I've been doing 15 minutes of rotator cuff exercises before any upper body workouts and this has helped me tremendously! Light weight, high reps. Great video guys!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Nice!

[@bgab2211]

This surgeon does a fantastic job of explaining. Clear and concise

[@somuchtruth2306]

I had a fall 15 years ago and two different orthopedic specialists recommended rotator cuff surgery. My only symptom at the time was occasional shoulder soreness when I took walks. Luckily, I am friends with a physical therapist who asked if I had good shoulder mobility. I said I did and she recommended I give the soreness time to go away without the torture of surgery. I followed her advice, the pain gradually went away, and I have enjoyed 15 painless years. My point is not to rush into surgery if your mobility is good and your soreness is tolerable. While you may never pitch for the NY Yankees, you may still be better off….especially if you are well over 50 years old!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We always agree to not rush in

[@madeleine1138]

This was very helpful. I believe this is what I've had for months just hoping it would resolve with rest. Now I know I should see my doc.

[@checkmecare]

Seeking help from a doctor in time will indeed help your body regulate well.

[@moomae1]

Excellent video and thanks for bringing in another guest. Osteoarthritis in the shoulder sucks too.

[@2pugman]

After a serious fall, the CAT scan results showed a massive tear. My heart Dr. said NO operation. I went for two injections and four months of PT. The shoulder is much better, but I have to be careful with use. I already had two rotator operations on my right shoulder when I was 55. At 82, I really don't want another operation.

[@lynn2574]

I’m 10 weeks post op (rotator cuff repair, ruptured bicep ‘clean up’, bursectomy, and acromial decompression) and doing well. Ultra sound wasn’t very helpful for me - it showed that the bicep was ruptured, but didn’t show a clear picture of the supraspinatus tear. Thankfully my orthopedist ordered an MRI, which showed everything. Glad to be getting full use of my shoulder back. I have had a lot of surgeries - this one had very little pain associated compared to back and abdominal surgeries. But the recovery was extremely inconvenient the first 4-6 weeks.

[@harrytrevenen2310]

Is the best part of being a surgeon getting to wear pajamas everyday at work?

[@monicaperez2843]

LOL!

[@vickiepatterson1748]

I love how our two Docs always wear matching outfits!

[@SandiRose2008]

Hahahaaa, I was just watching the video thinking I should get myself a pair of those to wear to bed!!

[@ssri1675]

Those are scrubs silly...not pjs.

[@yxnone9771]

Thanks Docs for the information. I was diagnosed with this in my left shoulder clinically with no tests to confirm a few years ago. It got better after a few months using heat treatment and gentle excercise. The pain was intense and I had limited use of my arm. Now that I have this video if it happened again I would be better able to discuss tests and treatments with the doctor.

[@davidvause9605]

That's the clearest description of the rotator cuff tendons and muscles that I've ever seen.

[@bluedragonacupuncture8425]

3 awkward looking old timers in a badly lit room - one would never thought...you are right !

[@buckshot4428]

I had an accident on a Military Sealift Command vessel shortly after 9/11 which resulted in a full tearing of my rotator cuff. I had the surgery done and during the physical therapy they tore it again and my doc told me I needed more surgery. I declined and let it "heal" on it's own.

[@Veronica-tn2xc]

😢

[@marylynch951]

Same here

[@dollyperry3020]

My husband was recently diagnosed with calcification of the shoulder tendons. Could you do a video on this?

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

Ya'll do great videos. I'd also like to see a video about tendenitis. I had a cartwheeling skiing accident where I damaged my rotator cuff. I didn't go to the doctor but implented my own phys therapy, it took 6 months for the pain to subside and regain my motion and strength.

[@13coyote13]

Another injury that I live with, both rotator cuffs are torn but due to the dangers involved with the surgery( my best friends father lost the use of his arm after they performed surgery) the surgeon recommended trying to live with what usability I had, I have to be careful of what amount of stress I put on them with the risk of injuring further, I can throw a ball under handed but not overhand etc. The times when I forget I pay a price of little use of the arm for a couple of weeks to a month. Going back many years there was no mention of injections, just rest and keeping the joints flexible.

[@checkmecare]

I hope you are well.🤝

[@13coyote13]

@@checkmecareWell as can be expected thanks.🙂

[@jamicurry7947]

Hi Doctors!! Boise girl here!! I have a partial tear and after watching this, I discovered that my pain is referred pain from under and back of my arm. Slowly getting better but what a pain in the butt!!! (not literal!) Thank you!

[@YUmMies24]

Sure😊if you can find a doctor to book a mri or ,,, any other test

[@RosaLopez-zw2ff]

Great information. Thank you!

[@louiseparisotto3630]

I learn a lot from these videos - thank you! Anyone else notice that at 7:40 Strength is misspelled? Just sayin' . . . .

[@singamd]

Great video - very informative! I hope to use ultrasound more in diagnosing rotator cuff tears.

[@markschlaefer3637]

Rotator cuff surgery is brutal- I suffered a full thickness tear in two of my tendons as a result of a mva a few years ago. Same accident shattered my collarbone, surgery on that as well to set it with a six inch metal plate. I’d take a shattered collarbone all day long again before I’d want another rotator cuff surgery. Six month recovery and still don’t have full range of motion and probably never will

[@paulkoza8652]

Pretty well done. I'm glad that you will be talking about arthritis vs. rotator cuff in the future. I have arthritis and folks may assume that they have rotator cuff and it is not that. One thing I'll say is that I'd go the MRI route to begin with. It is much more detailed and provides a baseline for future injury and strain to these joints.

[@vickiepatterson1748]

Great description and explanation of rotator cuff problems!👍 The only problem I've ever had with my shoulder is when it was completely frozen. I had no range of motion, I couldn't even raise my arm. The pain was excruciating and I had to drive myself to the doctor. I finally got an injection which really helped the first time. I was put on Prednisone both times before I got any relief. Shoulder pain isn't fun at all! My brother ended up having surgery after he fell and injured his shoulder. It's painful with a long healing process. You will almost always need to see a doctor and take measures to ease the pain. Thanks for sharing another great and informative video!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So welcome Vickie!

[@skipscramble5915]

You guys really uploaded another video about this two days before I’m going in for rotator cuff evaluation, what a trip!

[@Kerri_Kristina_Z]

I I tore my rotator cuff trying to get out of bed week two after a total hip replacement 😳 will be dealing with that after I’m done healing from the hip surgery

[@mickeypastor5130]

How old are you and how are you feeling now?

[@cylonred8902]

Going to an ortho tomorrow morning for my shoulder issues. Was kinda hoping PRP would be a possibility...

[@larrycopenhaver]

I have had both mine done

[@englishwithchris13]

I would love to know what the good doctor would recommend for preventing damage to the rotator cuff. I used to really enjoy lifting weights, and the rotator cuff always comes up in discussions. Would he be a proponent of a few rotator cuff stretches before over the head/shoulder exercises? Or would it just be frowned upon (overhead lifts - such as overhead press) as bringing forward the inevitable? Thanks as always for sharing your valuable knowledge with us all :)

[@lindakelley4332]

Wow! Yes, I've had my rotator cuff repair 1 1/2 year ago. I still have severe pain to this day at about two years. I tore my long bicep totaly away, two tenden tears, a whole in my rotator cuff and the bone was shaved because they where rubbing together. I have little motion in several ways with my right arm. I still need help!!!😢😢

[@Reed-2big]

I’m being told there isn’t much to do. But I still think the bicep is torn.

[@Joy21090]

I have a suspected rotator cuff tear as diagnosed clinically by my physiatrist. I can do most of what I need to do until the bursitis sets on. Then, it's non-stop pain. Cortisone shots are miracles for me. They last about 4 months for me, so maybe I get three per year. Thank you for this video. I feel like you made it just for me. :-) Oh, and I do change my pants. Lol!

[@RichRich1955]

Thats why strength training is good. Not overdoing it of course.

[@elimag]

Thanks folks, you begin the restoration of my trust in physicians.

[@patrickc8190]

I've had pain in my left shoulder for about 8 months now, finally went to my NP and she is sending me for an Xray. She thought maybe arthritis . (I'm 58) Pain usually bothers me later into the night when i sleep and first thing in morning when i get up and as i get moving around it goes away. The other day was putting my jacket on and my phone was in my left pocket and as I brought my arms around to pull the sleeves over my shoulders- did it ever hurt and thats the first time i think it has ever bothered me during the day. The weight of Iphone pro seemed to do it. Anyways thanks for talking about this. Really enjoy your channel

[@islanddiva3813]

Among other things, 20+ years ago had surgery ( very successful) on both rotator cuffs. I am just now researching the ways, etc.

[@Bee-Kind-Baker]

I’m 5 days out from rotator repair. Wasn’t given much info, but do know the bicep was involved. I’m in quite significant pain . I’m using intermittent ice and hydrocodone and celebrex. Should I be in this much pain? Thanks so much for all of your help. Love your channel. Have learned so much and you guys keep it real.

[@larrywasserman5983]

Great video guys. Thx

[@ek19751]

Thanks Docs. Is there a way to prevent rotator cuff injuries in the first place?

[@BillyRubinIII]

Prehab exercises

[@besame5504]

I have 2, one is bone on bone and the other just partial. From having somre arthritus and using a walking for my knees for 2 long. Much pain. waiting to have surgery as we speak.

[@ronorange990]

Excellent and helpful video after suffering a tear from golf….no warm up, too aggressive… however one shot of cortisone by a well known expert and slowly following physio exercises was a successful return to an active 60 something lifestyle. Very informative guys, thank you!!

[@marktait2371]

yeh im considering the zone again at 60 reinjured last summer had 2 teen early 20s on the fence doc said zone rest 2 years ago but wrenched again heard new zone doesnt linger as long as dinosaur era

[@dmv1121]

The one on the right seems like an intelligent goofball, I sincerely say with respect - and is probably the doctor I would prefer. The other 2 docs seem like the type my mother would prefer lol, which is fine, nothing against them. I injured my shoulder by vigorously throwing critter feed to my bird and squirrel friends. Thanks for this information!

[@jyoung6366]

I had an injury during ground fighting training as a police officer. Im having pain but not much reduced motion during the tests. It will go where you tell me to but it hurts like hell during and after. My infraspinatus is feeling like its working overdrive to compensate for my subscap. My scapulas are widely asymmetrical. MRI tomorrow. Hoping to get some answers because lots of websites say its not gonna be a tear if i pass the tests

[@LillianKing]

Wow, great explanation.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@foot675]

Thanks for this video.

[@jackkip]

Took a fall several years ago. The initial X-ray showed no fracture. After two weeks of constant pain, had an MRI. Turns out I broke my Greater Tuberosity and a slight tear of my supraspinatus. Did quite a few weeks of PT. Had one injection. No surgery, but I did lose some range of motion. When I over use that arm, I will have pain and need to ice to reduce the inflammation.

[@chalkiememe4183]

I have to say you guys look really tired in this video bless you for taking time to post these great educational videos. I had repair few years ago now the other shoulder feels like a small tear 😢.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

That's funny. We do film early before the OR. And we don't have a makeup team. This is the real us!

[@tommays56]

I smashed my left shoulder at the neck of the humerus patched back together with two screws at 40 and a reverse replacement at 65

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hope it is going ok

[@rudinatelaj71]

Hi guys, Love your sense of humor 😊 I have a question and it's with regard to fluid replacement during surgery. Is there any way to filter the fluids ( remove bone spur for instance) of the suction closed system and deliver it back through IV line ? I have seen some hip replacement procedure, and there is a lot of fluids waste. Have a good days

[@Ve-suvius]

Lateral raises are out for me after decades of doing them, too much crunching in the shoulder, creaky sounds. Ab Wheel rollout is still fine (knock on wood). Standing biceps curl does put pressure on the shoulder/tendon, where as the concentration curl, bent over, one hand plus one knee supporting does make the shoulder and biceps feel fine. Also much easier on the low back than the standing version.

[@rcom9880]

How do you differentiate between rotator cuff tear and frozen shoulder? I've had the latter and symptoms sound very similar.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes the main issue is the severe stiffness with frozen shoulder

[@rcom9880]

@@TalkingWithDocs Yep, it wasn't fun but the frozen shoulder resolved 100% with time. Thanks for the reply!

[@debbiechadwick861]

Oh you'll know! Its VERY painful.

[@davidvornholt1174]

good. thank you. I think I have bicep tendonitis. this helped

[@elsafischer3247]

Could you do a video on the red bump that come out, some look like there is blood in them. What cause them

[@deb_ellen9733]

I particularly tore one of the tendons reaching too far to hang up laundry. I then tore it completely a few months later. Extreme pain from the partial tear, but after I tore it completely, there is no more pain. My orthopedist says he can either repair it or just leave it alone. My motto is if it doesn’t hurt, don’t mess with it. I did get 3 steroid shots but won’t need any more of them.

[@FishingSGsWild]

hello *Talking With Docs* , are you Docs able to make a video about slip disc and how to prevent and also how to recuperate after if possible Much appreciated

[@karentarolli3969]

There’s a typo a 7:46 . Strength is misspelled.

[@SemperFiBiologist]

I tore two of my rotator cuff tendons trying to keep a ladder from falling over with my arms outstretched over my head. Worst surgery ever! The recovery took forever. They only give you pain meds for five days and after that you're up a creek. At one point I got out a bottle of vodka and downed five shots just to help me fall asleep for an hour because sleeping for the first couple months was almost impossible. I would rather have ten prostate surgeries than one rotator cuff surgery. And by the way, the diagnosis from the MRI was not at all what the surgeon found once he got in there. A couple years later, however, I am once again pain free, but I don't know if I would go through that again. I think I might just live with the pain for the rest of my life.

[@vallee3140]

I am off to the fracture clinic this week, they think its my rotary? pain is excrutiating, right down to my hand, which is at least 3 times its normal size. Is it normal to get that.

[@mssmiley5691]

Are rotator cuff tears more common in people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos…or possibly less common?

[@rickthain8538]

Fixing to have surgery, but my Dr never offered physical therapy first. Can it heal itself without surgery? Lots of pain, but really don't want to have surgery and 6-10 weeks of not using my right arm. MRI showed tear in the Super. Extremely hard to sleep.

[@KingRockets]

When they say rotator cuff tear, is the tear typically in the tendon or in the muscle belly itself?

[@jag.v6163]

good information

[@stephenrothman6969]

Let’s say you have bone on bone glenohumeral arthritis, mild acromioclavicular arthritis; tears of 3 of the 4 rotator cuff tendons, mostly partial width partial thickness; longitudinal tear of long head of biceps tendon, subluxation of LHBT, which is outside of groove, perched on tuberosity. Different PT exercises are (1) painful, or (2) not painful but crepitus and uneven, jerky movements, or, (3) for some exercises no pain no crepitus. Can’t l

[@stephenrothman6969]

Can’t lift overhead without crepitus or pain or both; can’t

[@stephenrothman6969]

Is it good to do PT exercises that cause crepitus but no pain? Or is that grinding down the bones, increasing the damage?

[@Saab558]

After a workout by about 3 hours i started to have pain that progressed so much that i couldn't sleep so the information from internet all indicated as i had a rotator cuff infraspinatus tear but after 4 days the pain went less and less where i dont feel pain now but i feel my shoulder is weaker than the right shoulder Could it be a tear or what it might be ? Thanks

[@RichRich1955]

I saw someone who ruined his shoulders from bench pressing. He said he has a goats beard in one shoulder. He started saying he had no subacromial space but didn't think he'd use the term as i wouldn't know what it is. I said it before he finished the sentence

[@tubeverse911]

My shoulder blade hurts😭😭

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sorry to hear that

[@cindycareme]

Love your videos and I am huge fan. Whomever edited this video needs spellcheck! 7:39 I am pretty sure that is not how you spell strengTH 🤣

[@nanlittle8384]

Omg the guy in the video showing testing range of motion looks just like George HW Bush.

[@joseenoel8093]

Haba haba!

[@LindaBergmann-d8f]

Lots of great info, but missed the “comedy ” in this post

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Next time!

[@Leftatalbuquerque]

Stay away from the pec deck machine.

[@checkmecare]

Thank you for this helpful tips.

[@jayj3990]

LOL ya change your pants lol

[@lefthegelian]

guys, "strenght" 😨

[@MichaelLevine-n6y]

If people would spend more time with a good book and a pot of tea, and much less time in activities and sports, they would not suffer this injury.

[@traviswillett21]

Reading is important but if we all did that we had have an even higher obesity problem

[@MichaelLevine-n6y]

@@traviswillett21 Sizeism?!

[@Mars-l6f]

St. Finian's College Secondary School Mullingar Co Westmeath Ireland 🇮🇪 Medicine BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY ALDI McDonald's KFC 🍗 iPhone 15 Pro Max 1TB Evolution Atheism Biochemistry

[@tkshr]

Are you guys bald? Why do you wear those surgical hats online?

[@bradbeattygmail]

Great information... I wish I knew the 3 month get it fixed before I waited over a year... then it could not be fixed.. damn! Thank... I do so enjoy your videos... guess 672k others do too!

[@frontlinemedia4270]

Everything can be fixed. They probably decided not to because of your age and activity level

[@bradbeattygmail]

At that time they elected for Toral... but I turned down... thank you for your thoughts.

[@cowanthegreat8966]

Been having left side back shoulder pain when walking and brushing teeth (oddly). Lasted about a month, started doing light weight exercises involving the shoulders and now its pretty much gone. Still a good idea if I'm a senior?

[@marylynch951]

Hi Doctors I had rotator cuff surgery in 2019 Unfortunately it retore in 2023 I have decided not to have more surgery I have had physiotherapy 2024 I have stopped it and are doing home exercises that the physiotherapist gave me I am lucky I have all the movement in my arm Sometimes it can be uncomfortable but not too painful But I am certainly not having anymore surgery

[@charleseddem7042]

Ok...I am 65 and both my shoulders are affected..but, they have good and bad days...some days, I have a full function..and some it is extremely painful.. I have had this for many years...I blame my sleeping habits..pillows extra.. So, as they are not constantly in pain, is it an age thing? I was a London firefighter in my past life.

[@IMBlakeley]

Did this slipping while climbing up a waterfall in a cave. I was fine apart from pain at the time and drove home, the next day real limited mobility, guess the bruising came out. Anyway physio suggested exercises, kept at those for a while eventually after some month pain was gone and I got 90% of the range back never quite all of it. Didn't ask about surgery, a good friend had surgery and she was worse after so I decided to live with the small remaining restriction of movement.

[@janicecanfield9211]

👋 Docs, Good timing. Friend has dx rotator cuff needs surgery. She's 70, very UN active, so not a fall or over exertion. She's also diabetic and her platelets are low, so they need 3 months on pills to increase. Is this an inherited problem ? She has no clue how this happened. Thanks guys.

[@Veronica-tn2xc]

At the beginning of the video, Drs say that after the 50s the cuff rotator is getting bit damage.

[@janicecanfield9211]

@@Veronica-tn2xc I did hear the 50s, 60s 70s and hopefully 80s comment. Hoping for a bit more info.

[@Veronica-tn2xc]

@@janicecanfield9211 I can tell you that I have this issue since I was born. It's genetics. That's what many Drs told me. It's so painful.

[@frontlinemedia4270]

Get her active. This is the issue

[@janicecanfield9211]

@@frontlinemedia4270 I tryyyyyy. And fail. She has chrons and diabetes as well. Rod in leg. Can't put full weight on foot...... 😕

[@PVVI2015]

That was very informative! My shoulder issues have involved repeated sports injuries. Now, at 75, X-rays show the cartilage is gone. With physiotherapy guidance I have a limited but still functional range of motion, but I have pain and although the exercises seem to maintain the situation they don’t improve it. I try to limit Advil/Tylenol to nights only so I can sleep. I’m waiting for a second cortisone shot but the wait is months. I’m using kinesiology tape to stabilize my shoulder for some activities like golf and kayaking. Shoulder replacement is an option we’ve (Dr, Physio) discussed, but are trying to delay. If you have any other options I’d love to know.

[@LillianKing]

What about dislocated shoulder

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We have a video about that!

[@jccain5034]

Thanks

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Welcome

[@flanerpete2040]

Always thorough and user-friendly information...😊

[@skippy6462]

Pants in the UK is underwear or under crackers, or knickers, or briefs, etc funny 😂 saying change your pants 😂

[@backpages4910]

Doc, l love your channel, please do a topic on Sciatica.

[@jaguilar11009]

Thanks for all your help 🙏 😊❤

[@BAAlley]

My Dr. won't do ultrasound. 😒

[@whilethevossisaway]

Hoping more positive results for PRP and healing. Have excruciating pain in the front of my R shoulder with tight bicep, limited ROM. See primary doc tomorrow. Wish me luck!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good luck!!!

[@riverbender9898]

Thanks for excellent, understandable information.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davebudge4526]

I would have loved the Doctors to give a verdict on their fellow Doctor Dr John Kirsch and his views on impingement and his theory of regular repeated dead hanging as a way to achieving shoulder health.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So dead hanging has many benefits. It may help strengthen your rotator cuff to reduce impingement symptoms however the claims are a bit extreme. Some people still need surgery. Dead hang ability is used as a measure of overall health and fitness. It’s very good for you

[@davebudge4526]

@@TalkingWithDocs Thanks guys for the reply, yeah I just finished Dr Kirsch's book 'Shoulder Pain? The Solution and Prevention' his theory was all human beings are true 'branchiator' ie born with the potential to swing from tree branches and whilist children have that ability when they're very little most adults unless they're in a prolonged training cycle or do it nearly every day, lose that capacity completely and with severe impingement do indeed require sugery. Your videos are great by the way educational and sometimes funny.

[@blessedgraceindeed]

I was told I had frozen should during COVID. It was so painful. I had acupuncture, massage and chiropractor. I finally healed in year.

[@dianehill2441]

My doctor prescribed an mri. Sounds like I should instead ask for an ultrasound. That’s so much easier

[@KC73]

I had a nasty rotator cuff tear. Only one rotator was intact, the little one. From a fall. Frozen shoulder resulted. Physical therapy for a year gave me pretty much normal use of arm. I can move any direction without weight. Still have occasional pain, Fatigue. I had no surgery. I’m happy. Happy not to have surgery.

[@grtfshrmn]

Timely video. I’m having shoulder pain right now. Thanks

[@buckw65]

As a 50+ tradesman , I do a lot of overheard work. I had supraspinatus surgery at 50. At almost 60, I've torn it again 26mm. Most shoulder movements are still there. So I'm gone to try and rehab it out till I can retire.

[@robsargent8611]

Hey Paul and Brad would you guys do a ultrasound at the same time as injecting cortisone into the joint ? Cheers guys .

[@ayokay123]

PT definitely saved me from having surgery. Turns out my flexibility was shit and I needed to do a lot of different stretching and strengthening exercises, but they worked!