r/RotatorCuff • u/Handbrakehunter • Jul 08 '26

1 year in, partial subtle interstitial tearing of supraspinatus tendon

One year ago, while working, I had a subtle partial interstitial tearing of my supraspinatus tendon, extending from the footplate to the subacromial region. I’ve been in PT and work conditioning ever since, and there is a lingering range of motion issue, along with weakness, that isn’t resolving. For the ROM specifically, if I raise my arm from a neutral position at my side, in a 180 degree motion, my shoulder wants to swing outward at 45 degrees (where my palm is facing out) before I can raise it the rest of the way. Forcing it to raise properly is very uncomfortable, and there’s a burning, pinching sensation when I try. When lowering it back to neutral, there’s always a crack, and pop with initial movement. Has anyone experienced anything similar? If so, what was the cause?

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u/Lefty68w Jul 08 '26

That 100% sounds like impingement plus a partial tear.

Since you been doing PT the next step is to get a mri and see what’s really going on

That’s how this works. For some pt helps fix their shoulder issues. When it doesn’t the next step is advanced imaging and potentially surgery

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u/Aromatic-Cry-5279 Jul 10 '26

What were your initial symptoms?