Rotator Cuff Disorders

Font Size

When To Call a Doctor

Emergencies. Shoulder pain and weakness may be part of a group of symptoms that indicate a much more serious problem, such as a heart attack. If shoulder pain or weakness occurs with chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, call 911 or other emergency services immediately. For more information, see the topic Chest Problems.

Call your doctor immediately if you have an injury to your shoulder and:

Recommended Related to Bones and Joints

How to Prevent Stress Fractures

Stress fractures commonly develop in people who have just dramatically increased their level of physical activity. So to prevent them, go slowly. Experts recommend that you never increase your exercise intensity by more than 10% per week. Make sure to warm up and stretch for a few minutes before exercising. Take frequent breaks to give your body a rest. And if you feel pain during exercise, stop. Don't push through it. High impact sports and work activities increase your risk for stress fractures...

Read the How to Prevent Stress Fractures article > >

Your shoulder is very painful.
Your shoulder appears to be deformed.
You cannot move your shoulder normally.
You have signs of damage to the nerves or blood vessels, such as numbness, tingling, a "pins-and-needles" sensation below the injury, or pale, cold, or bluish skin.

If you have had a shoulder problem in the past and you have shoulder pain, call your doctor to find out what you need to do. For more information, see the topic Shoulder Problems and Injuries.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. A watchful waiting period may vary from a few days to weeks or possibly months. Watchful waiting is not appropriate if:

Pain in your shoulder is unbearable.
Your shoulder is deformed.
You suspect there is nerve damage (loss of feeling) from an injury or vascular damage (pale, cold, or bluish skin).

Most shoulder pain that is not caused by a severe (acute) injury will get better with rest and by avoiding painful movements and positions. Apply ice or heat to your shoulder and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can reduce pain and inflammation. If this relieves the pain in your shoulder, gradually resume your regular activities.

If your shoulder is still painful after 7 to 10 days of home treatment, call your doctor.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnose and manage rotator cuff disorders include:

Primary care health professionals who are familiar with shoulder injuries. These include:
Orthopedic surgeons.
Emergency medicine specialists (for severe symptoms or injury).

For treatment, you may be referred to a specialist, such as:

A sports medicine specialist.
An orthopedic surgeon.
A physical medicine specialist (physiatrist).
A rheumatologist.
A physical therapist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 07, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.