Can You Lift Your Arm With a Rotator Cuff Tear?

The answer is in 99% of patients, yes. This is a common misconception that I get all the time. Some other doctors, even surgeons, say, “Oh, there’s no way your rotator cuffs are torn.” You can move your arm.  Tons of people can move their arms with rotator cuff tears. It’s like 99%. Some people have much torn and can’t move it or have a lot of difficulty, but that is a small percentage of patients with cuff tears.

The vast majority can use their arms and do things. It’s just very painful. It hurts when they sleep, when they do things, when they reach, or when they do certain activities. For patients who eventually require a minimally invasive same day shoulder surgery, correcting this underlying damage is the key to restoring a completely pain-free range of motion.

We use in-office ultrasound to diagnose rotator cuff tears. We know instantly whether you have a cuff tear or not. We still document your exam, your history, and all those things. But we can tell immediately, within 30 seconds, when you sit down in the office, whether or not you actually have a cuff tear. But yeah, most patients still have a shoulder that functions. It’s just painful all the time. Partnering with a dedicated Dallas Shoulder Surgeon ensures that you receive an ultra-fast, accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle.

Don’t wait for a full rotator cuff tear! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kruse at (469) 717-4674 for expert rotator cuff repair.

If your symptoms are ongoing or getting worse, it can help to learn more about rotator cuff tears and when specialist evaluation may be appropriate.