How to Diagnose Rotator Cuff Problems

The symptoms of rotator cuff problems are easily recognized. They include chronic pain in the shoulder and difficulty moving the related arm. Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose rotator cuff problems and determine their severity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the range of movement of the shoulder. Your doctor will see if you can move your both of your shoulders the same way and see exactly how one of them is inhibited.

2. Look for weakness and pain in shoulder movements. Your doctor will have you perform a variety of different shoulder exercises and note the types of problems you're having. These tests are designed to figure out if your rotator cuff is being pinched internally.

3. Take an injection of a mild pain relief medicine. This injection will neutralize your pain and help the doctor locate the source of your problems.

4. Get an x-ray. While this test will not show your rotator cuff, it will detail any bone structure problems, like fractures or dislocations that could be causing your problems.

5. Take an arthrogram. This is a special dye that illuminates under an x-ray. It can help your doctor look at the tendons in your should and see if your rotator cuff is torn.

6. Go to a surgeon and have diagnostic arthroscopy done. This procedure involves a small incision on your shoulder, through which a small camera on a tube is inserted. The doctors will use the camera to look at the insides of your should and find the source of the problem.

7. Have an ultrasound test. This test uses sound waves to look into your shoulder. Ultrasounds are rarely used to diagnose rotator cuff problems, but your doctor may suggest it as an alternative to a diagnostic arthroscopy.

8. Use magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) to produce a detailed picture of your shoulder. MRI tests are gaining popularity for diagnosing shoulder problems. These tests are quick and painless and can detect tiny tears in the rotator cuff.

Tips & Warnings

• Diagnostic arthroscopy will have to be scheduled in advance because you'll require general or local anesthetics during the procedure. This method is often the last resort if all other diagnostic methods have been unsuccessful.
• Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have for his diagnostic procedures. For example, if you don't want to have incisions for an arthroscopy test, your doctor may be able to set you up with an MRI appointment or an ultrasound test.

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[RFerriANP]

on 12/20/2007 Excellent! As an body builder and medical clinican you gave some very good advice. I see far too many people in the harming their rotator cuff(s) by trying to show off, and not following proper form for a particular exercise.