7 Daily Tasks Made Harder By a Torn Rotator Cuff
- If you have a torn rotator cuff, everyday tasks such as dressing, washing your hair, lifting objects and driving may become difficult.
- You can make certain tasks easier by adjusting how you move and avoiding activities that worsen your pain.
- You should see a doctor if your symptoms persist or you develop sudden weakness after an injury.
- Treatment options may include physiotherapy, medication, injections or surgery, depending on your condition.
If this sounds familiar, a torn rotator cuff could be the cause. In this guide, we look at everyday tasks that may become difficult, how to manage them, and available rotator cuff injury treatment in Singapore.
How Does a Torn Rotator Cuff Affect Everyday Movements?
Your rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons that help lift, rotate and stabilise your shoulder.
When a tendon tears, certain movements may become painful or weak. How much this affects you depends on the tendon involved, the severity of the tear and your remaining shoulder function.
If you have a torn rotator cuff, you may notice these difficulties during the following everyday activities.
1. Getting Dressed
Getting dressed can become uncomfortable when you need to lift or rotate your affected arm. You may struggle to pull a shirt over your head, put on a jacket or guide your arm through a tight sleeve.
Choosing loose-fitting clothes or putting your affected arm into the sleeve first may make dressing easier.
2. Washing or Combing Your Hair
Washing, drying or combing your hair requires you to keep your arm raised for some time. If you have a torn rotator cuff, you may experience pain or fatigue before finishing.
Try lowering your elbow, taking short breaks or using your other hand when possible.
3. Reaching Behind Your Back
Movements such as fastening a bra, tucking in your shirt or reaching for your back pocket require your shoulder to rotate inwards.
A torn rotator cuff may make these movements painful or difficult, even if you can comfortably reach forward. Avoid forcing your arm behind your back if it causes discomfort.
4. Reaching For Something on a High Shelf
Reaching overhead requires your shoulder muscles to lift and stabilise your arm. With a torn rotator cuff, you may find it difficult to raise your arm fully or control it while lowering an object.
Keep frequently used items at waist or chest height and ask for help retrieving heavier objects.
5. Carrying Groceries or Lifting Objects
You may notice shoulder pain when carrying shopping bags, lifting a laundry basket or moving household items. The discomfort can become more noticeable when you hold objects away from your body.
Divide groceries into lighter loads, keep objects close to your body, and avoid lifting anything that causes pain.
6. Driving
Driving involves more shoulder movement than you might realise. Turning the steering wheel, reaching for your seat belt or changing gears may become uncomfortable if you have shoulder pain or weakness.
You may also find it difficult to react quickly if your shoulder is weak or painful. You should avoid driving if you cannot control the vehicle safely.
7. Sleeping Comfortably
A torn rotator cuff may cause pain at night, especially when you lie on the affected shoulder. You might also wake when changing positions or struggle to find a comfortable sleeping posture.
Try sleeping on your opposite side with a pillow supporting your affected arm. As other conditions can also cause shoulder pain at night, an orthopaedic specialist can help determine what is causing your discomfort.
What Other Symptoms Can Occur With a Torn Rotator Cuff?
A torn rotator cuff can cause symptoms beyond difficulty performing everyday tasks. These may develop gradually as the tendon wears down or appear suddenly following an injury.
You may experience:
- Pain extending into your upper arm: Discomfort may spread from your shoulder towards your elbow.
- Weakness when rotating your shoulder: You may notice reduced strength when turning your arm inwards or outwards.
- Clicking or crackling: You may hear or feel these sensations when moving your shoulder.
- Pain at rest: Your shoulder may ache even when you are not using your arm.
When Should You Get Your Shoulder Checked?
See a doctor if your pain persists, your movement becomes increasingly restricted or weakness affects your daily activities.
Other conditions, such as frozen shoulder, can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor will assess your shoulder strength and movement before recommending an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan if needed.
Seek prompt medical attention if you develop sudden weakness or cannot lift your arm following an injury.
What To Do If a Torn Rotator Cuff Is Affecting Your Daily Life?
Both surgical and non-surgical treatment can improve pain and function, although outcomes vary depending on the injury.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Depending on your condition, non-surgical treatment may include adjusting your activities, physiotherapy, or medication to relieve pain and improve shoulder function.
Rotator Cuff Surgery
Surgery may be considered for certain traumatic tears or when symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatment.
The procedure generally involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone. The decision about when surgery is needed depends on factors such as the tear’s size, your shoulder function and treatment goals.
Speak to a Specialist About Recurring Shoulder Pain
If you’re struggling to lift your arm, reach overhead or sleep comfortably, it may be time to have your shoulder checked.
At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, our specialists can assess the extent of your injury and recommend suitable torn rotator cuff treatment based on your symptoms and shoulder function.
