Is Your Shoulder Pain From the Rotator Cuff? Try These Tests

Try My App for Free: https://membership.rehabscience.com/yt/2168-rotator-cuff-pain Rehab Science Book Link: https://amzn.to/3YglhJd Rotator cuff–related shoulder pain is one of the most common issues people experience when reaching, lifting, or sleeping on their side. The rotator cuff itself is a group of four muscles and their tendons that help stabilize the humeral head and guide shoulder motion. Injury can occur in several forms, including tendon irritation, partial-thickness tearing, full-thickness tearing, or muscle strain. These problems often develop from repetitive overhead activities, age-related tendon changes, sudden overload, or gradual weakening of the surrounding shoulder muscles. When someone presents with pain in the lateral shoulder or upper arm, one of the key questions clinicians try to answer is whether symptoms are originating from the rotator cuff or from another structure such as the joint capsule, bursa, labrum, or cervical spine. Orthopedic tests can be helpful here. They are not perfect on their own, but when combined with a patient’s history and a physical exam, they provide valuable clues. Tests such as the Drop Arm and Empty Can (supraspinatus), External Rotation Resistance or Infraspinatus Test, Lift-Off (subscapularis), and Yocum's Test help differentiate which tendon or motion pattern is provoking symptoms. These tests gently challenge specific cuff muscles or loading directions, helping clinicians determine whether pain is related to isolated tendon involvement, a strength deficit, or reduced load tolerance. In many cases, positive tests point toward a rotator cuff–related disorder rather than structural damage severe enough to require imaging. Most individuals improve with targeted exercise therapy, including progressive loading of the affected tendon, rotator cuff strengthening, scapular control training, and mobility work when indicated. Early identification of the symptomatic tissue helps guide the plan of care and ensures that rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, tendon capacity, and movement quality. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:23 Rotator Cuff Injuries & Anatomy 02:08 Drop Arm & Empty Can Tests 04:12 External Rotation Lag Sign 05:20 Lift-Off Test 06:23 Yocum's Test 07:20 My New Rehab & Prehab App Dr. Tom Walters and Rehab Science recommend that you speak with your doctor or physical therapist before participating in the exercises demonstrated in this video. The exercises in this video are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. No information in this video is to be taken as medical or health advice.