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- Pain and tenderness along the upper arm with radiating pain down the to the elbow in many cases<\/li>\n
- Pain lying on the affected shoulder (esp. at night)<\/li>\n
- Pain with repetitive motion (especially overhead and behind the back)<\/li>\n
- Warmth and swelling along the middle deltoid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tendinitis<\/em><\/strong> – the tendon itself becomes inflamed and swollen (usually the supraspinatus) and may become trapped or start rubbing beneath the acromion (top of the shoulder blade) and then becomes an impingement problem (known as impingement syndrome).\u00a0 Pain may also be felt along the biceps tendon as it may undergo undue stress and strain in relation to a cuff issue.\u00a0 It is also important to note that bursistis often accompanies tendinitis.\u00a0 Typical symptoms include:<\/p>\n
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- Point tenderness at or near the top of the shoulder or over the biceps tendon as it meets the shoulder<\/li>\n
- Pain and joint soreness along the front of the shoulder<\/li>\n
- Pain that worsens with elevating the arm above 90 degrees or moving it away from or behind the body<\/li>\n
- Pain with lying on the affected shoulder<\/li>\n
- Pain tucking in your shirt, fastening a bra or styling your hair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tear<\/em><\/strong> – defined by a disruption in the quality or integrity of the muscle and or tendon.\u00a0 Tears are typically quantified by the location (articular or bursal side) size (in centimeters) and degree (partial or full thickness).\u00a0 Not all tears are created equal – that is a fact.<\/p>\n
I have seen small tears (less than 1-2 cm) create equisite pain and dysfunction, while large tears (greater than 3 cm) may produce less pain and limitations in daily activities for folks.\u00a0 Hallmark symptoms of a tear include:<\/p>\n
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- Pain at night that interrupts sleep<\/li>\n
- Persistent dull ache or even throbbing pain that is not affected by rest or positional changes<\/li>\n
- Significant weakness or even muscle atrophy (look at the shoulder blade from behind or int he mirror)<\/li>\n
- Loss of elevation and arm rotation overhead and behind the back<\/li>\n
- A positive shrug sign (see below as excessive upper trap work that compensates to elevate the arm in light of a torn rotator cuff muscle)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Positive](\"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/img_3063-225x300.jpg\" "\\"img_3063\\"")