| The simple answer to this question is, unfortunately, | | | | These are the more dangerous symptoms and they |
| "no." | | | | require urgent attention. |
| The torn muscles of the rotator cuff will not naturally | | | | If the tear is large enough, the muscle can weaken. |
| repair themselves, so they will not actually be healed. | | | | Large tears generally require surgery. The sooner you |
| Generally speaking, there are two results that can | | | | have the surgery, the better off you will be. The longer |
| occur after a torn rotator cuff. Either it will stabilize, | | | | a severe rotator cuff tear is left untreated, the more |
| which will cause the symptoms to disappear, or it will | | | | likely it is that you will suffer more permanent damage. |
| get worse. | | | | Without immediate attention, the tear can become |
| The best hope is that the pain and immobility will get | | | | larger and may cause more permanent damage. |
| better with time. | | | | Imagine being unable to use your arm for the rest of |
| The two primary objectives of both therapy and | | | | your life. A large, untreated rotator cuff tear can do |
| surgery are alleviating pain and increasing mobility. | | | | that type of permanent damage. |
| Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear can be classified into | | | | It can be a hassle to visit the doctor every time you |
| two categories: minimal and grave. | | | | have an injury, but you may not recognize the |
| Minimal symptoms are characterized by a level of pain | | | | difference between a simple shoulder sprain and a |
| that is tolerable and by the return of function with time. | | | | rotator cuff tear. If you suffer from the following |
| These symptoms are certainly annoying but they will | | | | symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor: |
| eventually go away and they won't hinder you for life. | | | | - The pain increases with movement. |
| To deal with these minimal symptoms, surgery is not | | | | - The pain lasts more than two days. |
| required. These tears are likely to be very small and if | | | | - You have difficulty performing routine, daily activities. |
| you rest, take appropriate medication, and undergo | | | | - You are not able to reach over your head. |
| proper physical therapy, they will not cause long-term | | | | If the above statements are true for you, there is a |
| problems. With time and care, you will be back to your | | | | strong possibility that you have a rotator cuff tear. As |
| old self. | | | | stated above, you should seek immediate medical |
| Grave symptoms include intense pain, immobility, the | | | | attention if you suspect that you have a rotator cuff |
| inability to sleep at night, and the loss of daily functions, | | | | tear. It is better to see the doctor than to one day lose |
| such as buttoning your shirt or combing your hair. | | | | the use of your arm. |