How can I tell if my rotator Cuff is torn?

I've developed a problem with my right shoulder over the last two weeks and can't really pinpoint when it happened. I think probably back a couple weeks ago when I tried to see how much I could bench but am not certain. Nothing pulled or happened suddenly in the gym. It wasn't like I did a lift or set and got up off the bench in pain. I actually just began to notice it when going to sleep as I usually tuck my right arm up under the pillow under my head (if that makes sense).

I've been lifting and following my routine without any real problems. I only notice this 'pain' or 'discomfort' when warming up. Once I am into my sets, I hardly notice it until later in the day when I get home.

I am specifically wanting to rule out rotator cuff tear. So, can you tell me how to pin point if it is the rc? If it is the rc, can I just take some time off and it get better? Any advice is appreciated.

jinnc

That 'sleeping habit' is going to be hard to break as I've done it for as long as I can remember. I did consciously not do it last night, so I know I can retrain myself. Is it possible that just sleeping this way will make me to develop that kind of discomfort since I've been hitting the gym hard and growing muscle?

So, if I had an actual tear in my RC, it would be absolutely painful all the time. Is that true?

Thanks again!

Any other thoughts?

I tore mine a few weeks ago at work or at least ****ed it up really bad , its also partial tricep in my case , you know what I did , I maned up and added weight to my lifts

MRI is really the only way to know for sure

its mostly likely just RC irritation. That alone can mess up sleep. Lifting heavy with RC irritation can lead to tear. Certain exercises compress the RC space, such as overhead, so avoid doing those. If you can't sleep on the shoulder, that's a warning, no matter what it feels like when lifting.

[QUOTE=joen270;362519291]MRI is really the only way to know for sure[/QUOTE]

I agree