Pain

• The main symptom of a rotator cuff strain is pain, which can be severe or more manageable. There is usually pain on top and front of the shoulder, and reaching and throwing are painful actions as well. The pain worsens at night, especially if lying on the injured arm.
  
  

Loss of Movement

• With a rotator cuff strain, there is partial or total loss of movement in the shoulder. The rotator cuff can become stiff in the joints, and having barely any movement in the area is known as frozen shoulder.
  
  

Crepitus

• Crepitus is popping or clicking sounds made from movement of the rotator cuff. The sounds can also be that of crackling and grating. It happens usually because the bones rub up against each other where the cartilage has worn away.
  
  

Weakness

• Having rotator cuff strain can make the arm weak. It can be hard to raise the arm over the head. Even brushing one's hair would be a difficult task. It is also hard to move the arm sideways and forward.
  
  

Swelling and Inflammation

• There can be swelling of the arm when there is a rotator cuff strain. There can also be inflammation from tissue getting pinched or caught between the bones.
  
  

Treatment

• Rotator cuff strains can be treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections. Surgery is a further option if these methods fail to bring relief.