Shoulder Pain That Won’t Quit? It Could Be Your Rotator Cuff

If lifting a laundry basket, reaching for your seatbelt, or just trying to sleep on your side has gone from routine to painful, your shoulder could be telling you something is not right. That deep, nagging ache might be more than just soreness or tightness, it could be a sign of a rotator cuff tear. Rotator cuff injuries aren’t just reserved for athletes, they can affect anyone; busy parents, weekend gardeners, even those who spend most of their day at a desk.

If your shoulder’s been sending not-so-subtle signals that something’s off, keep reading. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and what you can do to feel like yourself again.

Carrying the Weight: What Your Shoulder Endures

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and their tendons that work together to keep your shoulder stable and help you move your arm, like lifting or turning it. Your shoulder can move in many directions, which can cause the rotator cuff to easily tear, especially if you use it a lot or suddenly injure it.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries can result from various factors, including:

• Overuse: Repetitive overhead motions, like painting ceilings, stocking high shelves, or lifting weights without proper form, can gradually strain the rotator cuff tendons, leading to irritation or small tears over time.
• Acute Injury: A sudden fall onto an outstretched arm or lifting something too heavy in one motion can cause a tear or inflammation in the rotator cuff.
• Degeneration: As we age, the tendons in our shoulders naturally weaken. Even simple daily movements—like brushing hair, reaching into the back seat, or sleeping on one side for years—can contribute to cumulative wear and tear, eventually leading to chronic rotator cuff problems.
• Poor Posture: Hunched shoulders from sitting at a desk all day, slouching while scrolling on your phone, or standing with rounded shoulders over time can alter shoulder mechanics, increasing pressure on the rotator cuff and leading to impingement or tendon damage.

For more information on shoulder conditions, visit our Shoulder Care page.

Signs You Can’t Shrug Off

If you’re dealing with ongoing shoulder discomfort, certain signs may point to a rotator cuff injury.

• Persistent dull ache deep in the shoulder: You might feel a constant, nagging pain that isn’t sharp but won’t go away, especially when resting or moving your arm.
• Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm: Tasks like reaching overhead, lifting objects, or turning your arm can become challenging and painful.
• Weakness in the shoulder: You may notice your arm feels weaker than usual or struggles to support weight, making everyday activities harder.
• Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side: Many people find their shoulder pain gets worse when trying to sleep, especially if they lie on the sore side.
• Limited range of motion: You may find it hard to fully move or stretch your arm without discomfort or stiffness.

Don’t Shoulder the Pain Alone

If shoulder pain is slowing you down or keeping you up at night, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait for it to get worse—schedule a consultation with the orthopedic experts at OrthoIllinois. Our team is here to help you get back to feeling strong again with personalized care and proven treatment options.  Request an appointment at 815-398-9491 or online.