I take issue with the description of ultrasound to diagnose this problem. I have been a sonographer for fourteen years. Ultrasound IS NOT used to evaluate bone. Ultrasound CANNOT penetrate bone, so to say that the test is dependent on technologist ability is unfair to our profession!

I am an active 64-year-old. Some 11 years ago, had frozen shoulder from cutting a tall hedge. Took about 2 years to heal. Some 3 years ago, had difficulty moving my arm. I had lots of injections and acupuncture, over many months, and finally ultrasound and x-ray. No arthritis, but ultrasound showed a calcium spur that was grinding through rotator cuff - 2.5 cm 'partial' tear. Requested to see orthopedic specialist. Had operation to remove calcium, during op, surgeon discovered that the tear was a large, complete tear. Then had lots of physio. Shoulder did not progress as well as physio wanted. Sent back to specialist. Then sent for MRI scan, followed by further surgery to attempt to repair the tear. Tendon was frayed (from calcium spur) and muscle weak - from reduced use over long period of time because of shoulder pain. Repair held for just over 3 months, then had re-tear. Still having physio. Still have pain, disturbed sleep most nights, and limited range of movement - nothing above shoulder level. Now having physio and exercises to strengthen deltoid muscles - to take strain off rotator cuff. Swimming (breast stroke) is very helpful. Just starting to play golf again after 6 months off. Removal of calcium from shoulder has been successful, but rotator cuff repair has not. I was aware that the operation was a long shot. Surgeon has said that it would have had a better chance of success if he had seen me at the beginning - some 3 years ago. The message is, as with all things, to seek help earlier, rather than later. I find it is better to keep active and keep using the shoulder carefully and gently, otherwise it stiffens up, but I cannot, currently, carry out tasks that require strength or pressure. There is a slight improvement every day, so it is important to keep up with the daily exercises.

Some two months after completing External Beam Radiation for Prostate Cancer, I woke one morning and could not move my left arm. A trip to my doctor and an X-Ray did not determine what the problem was. A follow-up appointment with my oncologist started with concern and then a recommendation for an MRI. The MRI indicated a Rotator Cuff. As I use the VA Medical Care System, I have a six month wait to see a Shoulder Clinic Specialist. If surgery is required, there is a one year waiting list.

Had rotator cuff surgery twice. Pain still. Dr says that I don't have enough tissue to attach to bone. He says there are no replacement parts for this ligament or tissue. He say I am all done, just hurt. Must be something that can be done.

I have a great massage machine that looks like an orbital sander and vibrates deep into the muscle. Using it straight away stopped my shoulder from going stiffer and took away what stiffness I had.

I am a registered nurse and I was pulling a heavy container of equipment (approx 100-150 lbs) on two wheels from behind and tore my rotator cuff.