At Your Appointment

Rotator Cuff Tear Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with rotator cuff tear?
1. Yes, diagnosed
2. No, undiagnosed
Will this appointment be an in-office visit or an online/telehealth appointment?
1. In-office visit
2. Online/telehealth appointment

Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Rotator Cuff Tear If you’re having a telehealth appointment, it's helpful to keep these things in mind. Test your computer or smartphone to make sure you can log in without difficulties. Since the doctor can’t examine you in person, be very specific about your symptoms. Print this appointment guide or write down your questions so you remember what to ask, and consider having someone sit with you to listen in. Have your medicines with you so you can show the doctor the labels and doses, and if you are interested in a specific treatment, be sure to ask about it.

Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
Has your pain improved? What number would you give it on a scale of 1 to 10?
Are you having any pain with activity? With rest?
Do you have any weakness in your shoulder?
How would you rate your shoulder strength? Good, fair or poor?
Do you have any amount of shoulder stiffness?
Can you move your shoulder through its full range of motion?
How did your shoulder pain start? Was it gradual or did it start immediately after an injury?
Can you rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain you have ever had?
Where exactly is your shoulder pain? Can you point to it?
What makes the pain better or worse? Are there specific movements that make it worse?
Does the pain go into your neck or down into your arm?
Are you having any numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm?
How well is your medication controlling your pain?
What treatments have you tried so far? How successful have they been?
What new symptoms are you experiencing?
Have you recently started a new activity or exercise? Have you intensified an existing activity?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Rotator Cuff Tear Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.