4. Pain when reaching up
If you notice pain when you reach over your head, you might have a rotator cuff tear. There are many activities that might be painful if you have a rotator cuff. Trying to reach items on a high shelf is one motion that might be difficult or painful if your rotator cuff is torn. Changing lightbulbs could also be particularly painful if your rotator cuff is torn due to the fact that you have to reach overhead to remove the old bulb and put in the new one.
Painters will also notice the pain due to the high reach that they need whenever painting near the top of their canvas — perhaps depicting a skyline, sun, or birds. Regardless of which action you’re performing when you notice the pain, it’s important that you take note of them. If you notice a pattern of pain whenever you raise your arms above your head, you might have a torn rotator cuff.