14 Signs of Rotator Cuff Tear

2. Ultrasound results

If the x-ray isn’t conclusive enough for your doctor to make a proper diagnosis, they might request further tests. One of the tests that doctors run on patients who have symptoms akin to that of a rotator cuff is the ultrasound. During an ultrasound, doctors will make use of sound waves so that they can get a clear image of the internal structures of your body. The process is similar to how bats see in the dark with echolocation.

It also makes it easy to see soft tissues like tendons and muscles. It makes it easy for doctors to see the various structures in your shoulder as you move — a process known as dynamic testing. The ability to see the inner structures as you move will help doctors pinpoint the issue and also what its nature is. Doctors will likely perform the ultrasound on both shoulders so they can compare the two.