Symptoms of rotator cuff tear may develop slowly or may occur suddenly, during an injury. Slow onset of symptoms is more common in the elderly.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear may include:

• Shoulder pain (unilateral):
• Usually worse in the front of the shoulder
• Pain may travel down the side of the arm
• Worsens with movement, particularly when the arm is lifted over the head
• Shoulder tenderness
• Shoulder stiffness:
• Decreased range of motion
• Difficulty brushing or combing your hair
• Difficulty reaching behind your back
• Arm weakness (unilateral):
• Mainly in the shoulder

Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear due to an injury include:

• Snapping sensation in the shoulder
• Sudden severe shoulder pain
• Sudden arm weakness (unilateral)