I injured my left rotator cuff lifting a suitcase.

In my earlier years I worked as a grocery checker and I think that after 18 years of doing that, my left shoulder was weakened. In 2006 I had surgery for reflux and when I got home from the hospital I had intense pain in my left shoulder. I was told it was just gas bubbles from the surgery and would go away. It didn't. After an MRI they found a rotator cuff tear. I have to suppose it was caused when they were positioning me for the surgery. Cortisone helped for a while, but surgery became the only option. I am 5 months after surgery and 3 months of PT and still have pain, but I am much, much better and improving still.

I knocked my trailer off its block with my lawn mower while I was trimming. Not thinking, I tried to pick the hitch of the trailer up. It was 250 lbs. Real smart of my. I felt something pop in my shoulder. After a visit to the doctor, I went to physical therapy and it seemed to get better, but now the pain is bad again. I am totally fearing surgery if it can be avoided.

I didn't realize it at the time, because the sharp pain went away: I was forcing a fitted sheet onto the mattress while on top of the bed--my grip slipped, and the pain was immediate, but didn't last long. Now, weeks later the pain and muscle cramps when I use the arm (non-dominant, thankfully) constantly remind me that I need to do gentle exercises. Putting on my coat when already stiff from the cold is no fun. Thanks for the exercise suggestions--this is going to take time, I can tell. This website is very helpful since I have no insurance coverage right now.

I fell last summer and fractured my ankle in 6 places. I had to be non-weight bearing for 6-8 weeks following surgery. During that time period, I had to use a walker and also use my arms to help lift myself from a seated position; a lot of wear and tear on 50+ grandmother! The repeated use of my arms probably caused me to injure my rotator cuff during my convalescence. Now I am trying physical therapy and ibuprofen to avoid surgery. I am being very careful of how I use my left arm these days!

I slipped on black ice. My feet went behind me and as a reflex my hands flew up to cushion my fall. Most of my body weight went to my left side. The result: an injured rotator cuff.

I have no idea how my rotator cuff was damaged. All I know is that I cannot move in certain directions. It is painful to perform activities like washing my hair and changing my clothes. I have intense pain that shoots down my arm when it is aggravated. A couple of years ago, I exercised regularly and noticed that I could not lay my elbows down with my hands behind my head on one side when doing stomach crunches. I do not have medical insurance at the moment but have started a new job. Once I receive my medical, I will be checking this problem out. It's painful!

I am a 67-year-old female who was caught in a horse stampede in March of 2009. I have been in PT for three months and have experienced a great deal of improvement in my left shoulder and neck. However, the discomfort and weakness in my right shoulder and arm did not respond to treatment. I just had a MRI and two partial tears were discovered. I see the ortho surgeon Monday and anticipate surgery. I am very active and want to continue my active lifestyle. Thanks for the information you provided.

I injured my rotator cuff lifting my roller-type computer case one-handed into the luggage compartment on the plane. It was heavier than I thought.

I injured my rotator cuff while doing bench presses. I stupidly added too much weight for a new set. I knew better, but I let the lightness of the barbell fool me.