Is My Shoulder Pain Coming From My Rotator Cuff?
Dealing with shoulder pain and wondering if it is your rotator cuff causing the problem? Here are some self analysis checkpoints to see what you may be battling!
The rotator cuff is a group of five muscles located on our shoulder blade that provide dynamic stability to your shoulder joint. Three of these muscles are located on the back side of your shoulder blade, one on the front side (between shoulder blade and ribcage), and the last is located on the top of the shoulder blade. Though top muscle, the supraspinatus, is commonly the one most at fault for rotator cuff pain. Shoulder pain can be complex in nature because there are many items that can cause pain here, but let me give you some ideas to further figure out if the rotator cuff muscles are at risk of a tear or compromise.
First, see if you can lift your arm out to the side as if you were lying on your back performing a snow angel. You can also imagine the movement you would make if you were trying to fly. If you are able to lift your arm over head height, this is a wonderful sign! Even if there is pain present, the ability to do this motion gives strong confidence that your supraspinatus is more than likely intact. Next, put your elbow at your side and keep it bent to a 90 degree angle as if holding a tray. Push the back side of your hand into a wall while keeping your elbow in contact with your ribs as if you rotate your arm outwards. If you can create a fair amount of strength here, you are 2 for 2 on good news! Again, though this may hurt, the ability to produce force is what we are interested in here. Lastly, put your hand behind your back and rest the back side of your hand on your low back near where your belt would be. Try to lift your hand off of your back and hold it away from you for 8-10 seconds. Successful? Hooray! 3 for 3 on positive news. Again as mentioned with the other tests, though this might hurt, the ability to do this task is a very good sign!
Now treating shoulder pain can go many different directions, so it’s important to find a trusted healthcare provider who understands the shoulder well to get you the optimal results desired and deserved to eliminate you of this shoulder pain!
Have more questions about how physical therapy can help shoulder pain? I would be happy to chat further about how Loon State Physical Therapy can be your teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best! Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.
Until next time!
Andrew Eccles
Owner and Physical Therapist at Loon State Physical Therapy
