What does shoulder pain feel like with a rotator cuff tear?

Pain may sit over the outer shoulder or upper arm and can travel down the arm without reaching the hand. Raising the arm overhead, reaching behind your back, or lying on the painful side may bring it on. Some people notice pain at rest or during sleep. A larger tear can also cause weakness, difficulty lifting the arm, or a sudden change after an injury. These sensations overlap with other shoulder problems, so the feeling alone cannot identify the cause.

Keep the shoulder moving gently within a comfortable range, but pause heavy lifting, repeated overhead work, and movements that sharply increase pain. Support the arm during sleep if that helps. A clinician or physiotherapist can compare strength and movement and decide whether imaging is useful. Do not force strengthening exercises through marked pain or weakness.

Arrange an assessment if pain persists, interrupts sleep, or limits dressing and reaching. Seek prompt care after a fall or lifting injury if you cannot raise the arm, the shoulder looks deformed, or weakness appeared suddenly. Urgent help is appropriate for chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the jaw or arm.

Ask what examination findings suggest a tendon tear, which activities should be modified, and whether physiotherapy is suitable. You can also ask when imaging would change treatment and how to protect sleep and daily movement while the shoulder settles.