04/10/2026
Your MRI says you have a rotator cuff tear… but that does not always mean it is causing your pain 🤔
The rotator cuff helps move and support the shoulder. Over time, normal changes in these tissues can show up on MRI scans.
Researchers reviewed MRIs from more than 600 adults and found that many people had rotator cuff changes even when their shoulders felt completely fine.
In fact, about 96% of pain-free shoulders still showed some imaging changes. This is why shoulder pain should be evaluated based on symptoms, movement, and strength, not just the scan.
Check out this infographic to learn more. https://chiroup.short.gy/dTvjHV
Source: Ibounig T, et al. JAMA Internal Medicine. February 2026.