While self-assessment can provide some insights into potential shoulder issues, it’s essential to remember that diagnosing a rotator cuff injury accurately typically requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist. However, you can perform some basic self-checks to assess for signs and symptoms that may indicate a rotator cuff injury.

Here are some steps you can take to check yourself for a rotator cuff injury…

1. Pain Assessment
   • Pay attention to any pain or discomfort in your shoulder, particularly when performing certain movements or activities. Common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include:
     • Pain that worsens with overhead movements (e.g., reaching, lifting, throwing).
     • Pain or discomfort when lying on the affected shoulder or sleeping on that side.
     • Pain that radiates from the shoulder down the arm, particularly along the side of the upper arm.
     • Pain with specific shoulder movements, such as reaching behind the back or across the body.
     • Pain during activities that involve lifting, pushing, or pulling objects.
2. Range of Motion Assessment
   • Assess your shoulder’s range of motion by performing simple movements such as:
     • Forward flexion – Raise your arm in front of you as high as possible without causing pain.
     • Abduction – Lift your arm out to the side away from your body, aiming for a full range of motion.
     • External rotation – Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle and rotate your forearm away from your body.
     • Internal rotation – Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle and rotate your forearm toward your body.
   • Note any limitations, stiffness, or discomfort during these movements, as reduced range of motion can be indicative of a rotator cuff injury.
3. Strength Testing
   • Test the strength of your shoulder muscles by performing resisted movements:
     • External rotation – Place your elbow against your side and rotate your forearm away from your body against resistance.
     • Internal rotation – Place your elbow against your side and rotate your forearm toward your body against resistance.
     • Abduction – Lift your arm out to the side against resistance.
     • Forward flexion – Raise your arm in front of you against resistance.
   • Compare the strength of your affected shoulder to your unaffected shoulder and note any significant differences or weakness.
4. Provocative Tests
   • While not definitive, you can also perform some self-administered provocative tests that may reproduce symptoms of a rotator cuff injury:
     • Empty can test (Jobe’s test) – Elevate your arm to shoulder level with the thumb pointing downward, resist downward pressure applied by your other hand.
     • External rotation lag sign – Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle and externally rotate your arm, then attempt to hold the position while releasing the hand.
     • Hawkins-Kennedy test – Flex your shoulder to 90 degrees and internally rotate your arm while bending the elbow to 90 degrees, then apply downward pressure on the forearm.

If you experience significant pain, discomfort, weakness, or limited range of motion during these self-assessment tests, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendations. A doctor or physical therapist can conduct further diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies (e.g., MRI, ultrasound), and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing rotator cuff injuries effectively and preventing further complications.