Verywell health
Rotator Cuff Tear: Warning Signs and the Healing Process
A rotator cuff tear is marked by damage to one (or more) of the four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Warning signs of a torn rotator cuff are typically felt in the shoulder area. Both partial rotator cuff tears and complete, full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs) can make arm movements difficult and cause sharp pain or a dull ache in the shoulder that worsens at night.