What does muscle weakness feel like with rotator cuff tear?

You may struggle to raise the arm overhead, reach behind your back, place an item on a shelf, or lower the arm smoothly. The shoulder can feel heavy or suddenly give way, particularly after an injury. Pain may be felt at the outer shoulder and can disturb sleep, but weakness can remain after pain eases. Some people notice reduced power when rotating the arm outward or inward. These features do not identify the cause by themselves; tendon irritation, joint problems, and nerve conditions can produce similar difficulties.

Arrange an examination if weakness persists, follows a fall or lifting injury, or prevents dressing and reaching. Until then, avoid heavy overhead work and movements that cause sharp pain, while keeping the elbow, wrist, and shoulder moving gently within comfort. Support the arm during rest if that helps. A clinician may compare both shoulders and assess range, power, and sensation; imaging is considered when the findings and history call for it. Rehabilitation can focus on restoring controlled movement and strength.

Seek prompt medical care after an injury if you cannot lift the arm, the shoulder looks deformed, or pain is severe. Urgent assessment is also needed for a cold or blue hand, marked swelling, new numbness, or weakness spreading beyond the shoulder. Sudden arm weakness with speech or facial changes is an emergency.

Which shoulder movements are weak on examination? Could this be a tendon, joint, or nerve problem? What activities are safe now? Do I need imaging, and what rehabilitation milestones should I watch?