Rotator cuff pain is primarily felt in the shoulder, especially on the lateral (outside) aspect of the shoulder. The pain often radiates down the upper arm toward the elbow but usually does not extend past the elbow
. Specifically, the pain can be located:
- On the side or front of the shoulder
- At the top and side of the shoulder
- Radiating down the upper arm to the elbow
The pain may be described as a dull ache or sharp pain during certain movements, and it often worsens at night, sometimes interfering with sleep
. Patients may also experience tenderness to touch, weakness, stiffness, and difficulty lifting the arm or performing overhead activities
. In summary, rotator cuff pain is typically localized around the shoulder's outer or front areas and can radiate down the upper arm to the elbow but not beyond. It is often aggravated by arm movement or lying on the affected side
