Living with Shoulder Pain: When Every Movement Hurts
Shoulder pain often sneaks into daily life. You may notice it when you reach overhead to grab something from a cabinet, carry groceries in from the car, or even when you simply raise your hand to wave. Sometimes it’s a dull ache; other times, a sharp pain that’s followed by a clicking or popping sound. For many, this discomfort is tied to a rotator cuff injury.
What starts as an occasional annoyance can quickly become a constant struggle. The longer the pain lingers, the harder it becomes to lift, push, or carry things without wincing. Left untreated, rotator cuff problems can limit your range of motion, weaken your shoulder, and take away the activities you enjoy most.
Common Ways People Hurt Their Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most injury-prone areas of the body. Common causes include:
- Repetitive overhead motions – Common in athletes (baseball, tennis, swimming) and professions involving painting, construction, or lifting.
- Trauma or sudden impact – A fall on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, or an accident.
- Degeneration over time – Age-related wear and tear weakens tendons, making them more likely to tear.
- Improper lifting – Using the shoulder instead of the legs and core when lifting heavy objects.
- Sports injuries – Especially in contact sports where collisions are frequent.
Recognizing these common causes is the first step in both prevention and understanding why rotator cuff problems occur so frequently.
Potential Shoulder Injuries Based on Anatomy
The shoulder is a complex system of muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. When something goes wrong, it usually affects one of the four primary rotator cuff muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor.
- Supraspinatus tears are the most common, often happening when lifting the arm overhead. These injuries can cause pain when reaching or sleeping on the affected side.
- Infraspinatus injuries impact external rotation of the shoulder, making tasks like reaching behind your back difficult.
- Subscapularis tears affect internal rotation and stability, sometimes leading to weakness when tucking in a shirt or fastening a belt.
- Teres minor injuries, while less common, can still restrict motion and add to overall shoulder instability.
Other conditions can mimic or compound rotator cuff issues. Bursitis, for example, occurs when the fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint becomes inflamed. Tendinitis, another frequent problem, stems from irritation of the tendons due to repetitive strain. Partial-thickness tears may cause nagging pain without fully compromising strength, while full-thickness tears often lead to significant weakness and require more aggressive treatment.
How Dr. Floyd Diagnoses Rotator Cuff Injuries
Accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment can begin. Dr. Floyd combines hands-on evaluation with modern imaging tools to pinpoint the exact source of shoulder pain.
Physical Examination
The first step is often a thorough exam. Dr. Floyd checks for areas of tenderness, evaluates range of motion, and tests strength in specific directions. By observing how the shoulder responds to gentle pressure and movement, he can determine which structures may be involved.
Imaging Tools
X-rays are used to rule out bone spurs or arthritis that could be contributing to pain. For soft tissue injuries, MRI scans or ultrasound provide a clear view of the tendons and muscles. These images reveal whether a tendon is inflamed, frayed, or completely torn.
Patient History and Specialized Tests
Understanding when the pain began, what activities make it worse, and whether there’s been a past injury all play into diagnosis. In some cases, diagnostic injections help confirm whether the rotator cuff is the true source of pain.
Together, these methods allow Dr. Floyd to build a complete picture of the injury and recommend the best course of action.
Exploring Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Repair
Non-Surgical and Surgical Options for Rotator Cuff Repair
Not every rotator cuff injury requires surgery. In fact, many patients benefit from non-surgical treatments first. After diagnosis, Dr. Floyd works with patients to explore the most effective options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical therapy – Strengthening surrounding muscles, restoring range of motion, and reducing pain.
- TendoNova technology – A microinvasive procedure that targets damaged tendons, breaking up scar tissue and stimulating healing.
- Anti-inflammatory medications – To reduce swelling and pain during the healing process.
- Corticosteroid injections – For temporary relief of inflammation and pain.
Surgical Treatments
When non-surgical methods aren’t enough, surgery may be the next step. Surgical repair may involve:
- Arthroscopic repair – Minimally invasive with small incisions and faster recovery.
- Open tendon repair – Sometimes necessary for larger tears.
- Tendon transfer – In cases where the tendon is too damaged to repair.
- Shoulder replacement – Reserved for severe cases with extensive damage.
Dr. Floyd helps each patient weigh the pros and cons of every option, with a focus on restoring both strength and range of motion.
Recovery and What to Expect
Healing from a rotator cuff injury is a process, but one that can restore mobility and strength with the right guidance. Immediately after treatment, whether surgical or not, rest and protection of the shoulder are key. Over time, guided physical therapy introduces exercises that gradually increase range of motion and build stability.
Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some patients return to light activity in a matter of weeks, while others may need several months to regain full function. What matters most is consistency. Following through on exercises and keeping up with follow-up appointments ensures that progress continues steadily.
The ultimate goal isn’t just to eliminate pain. It’s to restore confidence in your shoulder so you can return to work, sports, and everyday life without hesitation.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
Delaying treatment can have long-term consequences. What starts as minor pain can progress into larger tears or chronic inflammation if left unaddressed. Over time, stiffness may set in, making movement even more restricted. The earlier a rotator cuff injury is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of a full recovery.
Take the Next Step Toward Shoulder Relief
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to define your day-to-day life. If you’re struggling with discomfort that just won’t go away, it’s time to take action. Download our free ebook, “Shoulder Solutions: Understanding Rotator Cuff Repair,” for an in-depth look at your treatment options, recovery expectations, and steps you can take right now to start feeling better.
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