Shoulder pain can make even the simplest tasks—like reaching overhead, getting dressed, or carrying groceries—challenging and uncomfortable. A common cause of persistent shoulder pain is a rotator cuff tear, an injury that affects the group of four muscles responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint.

As we age, the tendons in the rotator cuff naturally thin, much like how hair thins over time. This makes the shoulder more susceptible to tears, especially with repetitive movements or sudden injuries. If you're experiencing ongoing discomfort, you may be wondering whether a rotator cuff tear is the cause. Fortunately, there are a few simple at-home tests that can help you assess the likelihood of an injury:

3 At-Home Tests for a Rotator Cuff Tear

1. Drop Arm Test
   • Extend your injured arm straight out to the side.
   • If you struggle to lift it to shoulder height, ask a friend to help raise it for you.
   • Try to slowly lower your arm back down to your side.
   • If your arm drops suddenly or you experience pain, it may indicate a rotator cuff tear.
2. Lateral Jobe Test
   • Raise your injured arm to shoulder height, parallel to the ground.
   • Rotate your arm so your palm faces backward and your thumb points down.
   • Have someone apply downward pressure on your arm while you resist.
   • If you feel significant pain or weakness, it’s a strong sign of a rotator cuff injury.
3. Lift-Off Test
   • Place the back of your injured hand on your lower back.
   • Try to lift your hand off your back.
   • If this movement is painful or feels weak, it could indicate a rotator cuff tear.

What’s Next? Why Early Treatment Is Key

If any of these tests caused pain or weakness, it’s important not to ignore it. Many people assume they should wait until the pain becomes unbearable before seeking care, but early intervention is crucial to preventing further damage.

Physical therapy can help you regain strength, improve mobility, and even prevent the need for surgery. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and movement retraining, a physical therapist can help restore your shoulder’s function and get you back to doing what you love.

Don’t Wait—Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If your shoulder pain has lasted more than six weeks without improvement, or if these tests suggest a possible rotator cuff injury, don’t wait for it to get worse. Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists and find out if physical therapy can help you recover.