8 Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Disease

3. Difficulty Lifting the Arm and Decreased Arm Mobility

People with rotator cuff disease usually find it difficult to lift the arm overhead or away from the body, thus decreasing the arm's full range of motion. If rotator cuff disease involves severe tears of the rotator cuff tendons, an individual may find it impossible to hold their arm up. Generally, he or she will be able to lift the arm slightly, but not as high as the shoulder. Simple tasks such as brushing the hair or reaching for an object on a high shelf may become difficult or impossible.