Understand your injury.
Pain or weakness with lifting can come from a rotator cuff injury or other shoulder problems. New weakness after an injury merits prompt evaluation.
What your evaluation considers
Strength, range of motion, how symptoms started, and the type of tendon injury if present.
Discuss the treatment options.
- Physical therapy and activity modification may be appropriate.
- Selected injections may be discussed depending on the diagnosis.
- Repair may be considered for certain tears based on symptoms, injury pattern, and functional demands.
Tell us about your sport, the activities you want to return to, and any previous treatment. An exam and relevant imaging help guide an individualized plan. This page cannot diagnose an injury or determine whether surgery is right for you.
Prepare for your visit.
Bring prior imaging and reports, a medication list, your insurance information, and any required referral. For a second opinion, bring relevant visit notes and operative reports.
For athletes under 18, a parent or legal guardian should help arrange care and confirm consent requirements with the office.
A joint that looks out of place, a new cold or numb limb after injury, or a hot swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell needs immediate medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine online appointment.
Educational reference: AAOS OrthoInfo (opens new tab).