Rotator Cuff Tear vs Strain Symptoms and Rehab Guide

1 month, 1 week ago Physical Therapy & Rehab
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MapleLeafFan Guest
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Mar 07, 2026 10:07

I felt a pop in my shoulder while doing overhead presses last week and I am terrified that it is a full tear. I live in Toronto and the wait for an MRI is quite long so I am trying to figure out the symptoms in the meantime. I can still lift my arm but it is very weak and there is a lot of clicking.

If it is just a strain I know I need to focus on face pulls and banded external rotations. However if it is a tear I might be looking at surgery. Has anyone here recovered from a partial rotator cuff tear using only physical therapy? I am really hoping to avoid the knife if possible.

I have been using ice packs and ibuprofen but the inflammation does not seem to be going down. Are there any specific tests I can do at home to check the integrity of the tendons? Any advice from fellow Canadian lifters who have navigated the healthcare system for this would be great.

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