A rather common problem- over 2.5 million Americans suffered from rotator cuff problems last year. More common with people who perform overhead activities, rotator cuff problems are not usually understood by most. Your shoulder has three parts- shoulder blade, the upper arm bone, and the collarbone, which work together in sync to ensure proper mechanics. The rotator cuff is a team of four muscles that stabilize the shoulder, keeping the arm bone attached and in place in the shoulder joint. Loss or weakening of the rotator cuff muscles can lead to rotator cuff tear, labral tear, impingement and/or tendinitis. Pain caused due to rotator cuff tear is excruciating and can make the simplest everyday chores a painful experience. 
Do You Have A Rotator Cuff Tear?
Most people tend to ignore shoulder pain thinking that it may be due to overstraining the arms and shoulders. A large number of people take painkillers or apply relief ointments to help alleviate the pain. However, any acute and persistent shoulder pain should be investigated for rotator cuff tear. Before you head for the nearest medical facility, there are two simple tests that you can use at home to check if you do indeed have a rotator cuff tear.
One of the biggest mistakes is to ignore the problem. The timely intervention will ensure that a small problem does not develop into a large one. If you suspect any rotator cuff injury, seek treatment immediately. One great option is physical therapy. The experts at TherapydiaPortland.com can help you with suggestions regarding physical therapy for rotator cuff problems. Early intervention and physical therapy treatment can help you avoid the operating room even if you have a torn rotator cuff.
Lift-Off Test
This test checks for damage to the muscle on the front of your shoulder blade. Place the injured arm behind your back, with the palm resting on your lower back and facing outward. The next step is to raise your arm off your back. Any pain or inability to lift the arm could be an indication of a rotator cuff injury.
Drop Arm Test
The supraspinatus, which is the muscle on top of the shoulder, is the most commonly torn rotator cuff muscle. This drop arm test checks if there is any problem with this muscle and will require a helper to conduct this. Starting from either a standing or sitting position, extend the arm that hurts sideways and raise it to a ninety-degree angle. If you are unable to do so on your own due to the pain, have the helper raise your arm. From this position, slowly and in a controlled way, lower the arm, without bending it, down to the side. A rotator cuff tear will make this process difficult to execute in a controlled manner and cause pain.
Get Help
Any pain in the shoulder lasting more than a month needs to be checked for rotator cuff injury. Avoid aggravating the injury and visit a physical therapist at the earliest.
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