What does a rotator cuff tear mean in CrossFit athletes?

A tear may be partial or extend through the tendon. It can cause pain with pressing, kipping, pull-ups, snatches, jerks, or reaching overhead, along with weakness or pain at night. Symptoms alone cannot show the size or exact tendon involved. A tear may follow a sudden load or develop in tissue that has been irritated over time. Examination helps separate tendon pain from neck, joint, or bursal problems.

Pause movements that reproduce sharp pain, loss of control, or weakness, and keep general fitness with activities that do not aggravate the shoulder. Do not repeatedly test the injury with heavy lifts. Arrange assessment with a clinician familiar with sports shoulder problems. They may check strength and movement and decide whether imaging is useful. Rehabilitation commonly rebuilds controlled range, shoulder-blade coordination, and tendon capacity in stages.

Seek prompt assessment after a fall, sudden force, or audible pop followed by immediate weakness or inability to raise the arm. Urgent help is also needed for deformity, a cold or numb hand, severe swelling, chest symptoms, or breathlessness. Arrange a routine review when pain persists, sleep is repeatedly disturbed, or training modifications do not improve function.

Which tendon and part of the tear are involved? Which CrossFit movements should I stop or modify? What strength or movement milestones should guide my return? Would physiotherapy or imaging change the plan?